Rumson-Fair Haven Student-Athlete Nominated By NY Giants

RUMSON, NJ — A student at Rumson-Fair Haven Regional has been nominated to receive a 2019 USA Football "Heart of a Giant" award, presented by none other than the New York Giants NFL team and the Hospital for Special Surgery.

Drew Frankel has been named in the first set of ten outstanding Tri-State area high school football player nominees open for voting. All ten student-athletes, nine boys and one girl, have been nominated by their coaches for their commitment, teamwork, will, character and dedication.

Drew was chosen because he's not just an outstanding athlete on the Rumson-Fair Haven playing fields, but he was also born with Type 1 diabetes.

Drew Frankel; Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (Rumson, NJ)
All while battling teams on the field to win six state championships in football, basketball and lacrosse, Drew Frankel also has a battle off the field: Type 1 Diabetes. Coach Jeremy Schulte is adamant that Frankel has never let it affect his participation and has quickly become one of the most responsible young men Schulte has ever coached. Schulte adds, “Every year, Drew helps to raise money for diabetes research by doing a walk for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.” This disease has driven Frankel to become a leader in school, on the field and in the community.

Here are the other nine nominees:

Michael Bsales; Bloomfield High School (Bloomfield, NJ)

While watching his family separate, football was there for Michael Bsales to continue to develop his perceptions of trust, responsibility, and ultimately created another family for him to embrace. With some of Bsales' greatest memories coming from the gridiron, community service has become increasingly integral to his success and to his happiness as well. Head Coach Mike Carter says, “Mike Bsales always pays it forward.” Bsales does this through mission trips, coaching youth football, and having a heart of a giant both on and off the field.

Darius DeJesus; Lehman High School (Bronx, NY)

Starting his freshman football season at 321 pounds, Darius DeJesus did not get much playing time. Soon after this, he refocused himself and dropped 40 pounds all while maintaining a 3.5 GPA by the end of the year. He did so well, that within a year, he became a two-way starter on the varsity team as a junior. Unfortunately, the season ended with a torn meniscus. However, DeJesus recovered and started his senior season as Team Captain and Spring Ball MVP. Head Coach Christopher DiTullio preaches, “Darius has shown tremendous perseverance and heart.”

Elijah Garnett; Progress High School for Professional Careers (Brooklyn, NY)

“His desire to reach the NFL is the greatest of all athletes that I have coached in my 20 years of coaching,” exclaims Head Coach Jose Ferrer. Elijah Garnett’s burning passion for football comes from wanting to make his mother proud and put a smile on her face. After Garnett’s aunt passed away, Garnett’s main goal quickly became to prevent his mother from struggling ever again.

Max Gray; Bernards High School (Bernardsville, NJ)

If anyone knows about work ethic, it’s Max Gray. “Max has a tremendous work ethic and courage and it has allowed him to overcome being the shortest player in the program and become a special teams stalwart last season, earning his first varsity letter,” exclaims Head Coach Jon Simoneau. Gray realized size doesn’t matter in order to succeed, and quickly treated this adversity as motivation with the help from his team. Gray says, “It’s the guys I play with that make playing, working, and winning all worth it.”

Luke Hopkins; Fairfield College Preparatory School (Fairfield, CT)

The summer leading up to Luke Hopkins’ Freshman year, he spent countless hours visiting his father in the hospital. Hopkins’ father suffered a serious accident while at work and would go on to undergo countless surgeries. Hopkins says, “In a time of so much pain and confusion in my life, beginning to play football was the best decision I ever made.” Luke has been a rock for his family throughout this hard time, which taught him maturity, caring demeanor and steadfast attention to being a good person and teammate. Head Coach Keith Hellstern says, “We received a true diamond in the rough when he arrived as an undersized and quiet freshman. Now, Luke Hopkins is a dynamic senior leader and student-athlete that exemplifies the Heart of a Giant.”

Sean Kelly; DePaul Catholic High School (Wayne, NJ)

One of Sean Kelly’s main takeaways from football is to lead by example. Kelly leads by example as the Captain of the football team, academically, and participating in community and religious events. Kelly says, “being a contributing part of the community gives a sense of warmth.“ Head Coach John Mckenna elaborates on this: “He is a member of the National Honor Society, volunteers at youth camps during the summer, does numerous Christian service activities, such as a midnight run where students go to New York City to feed and clothe the homeless.” Sean Kelly displays his Heart of a Giant through football, family, and community service.

Nicole Konefal; Wallington High School (Wallington, NJ)

“Nicole Konefal is the perfect example of overcoming any and all stereotypes of girls playing football,” states Head Coach Barry Blauvelt. When Konefal was younger, she would always wonder if she was good enough. Playing football taught her how to fail and accept herself for those faults. “I realized no one is perfect, because of the amount of times where you mess up – but you can’t stop to dwell on it. If you do, then it would cost your team the win, and in the end, you would not be improving,” says Konefal. Ultimately, football has created a safe haven for her. Konefal adds, “As a result from the effort and work I display in football, I see myself growing, physically and mentally as a person I want to become which makes me happy and proud to play this sport.”

Charlie Paszek; Eden High School (Eden, NY)

After losing his grandma, one of his biggest fans, Charlie Paszek felt empty on the first day of football practice. However, Paszek says when he’s playing football, all the worries, sadness, and stress just goes away. Head Coach Rick Weber says, “Charlie never misses a practice and has earned himself a starting position as a 10th grader last season as a center on the offensive line, being a dominating force for our team.” Recently, Paszek’s mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, which has been tough physically and emotionally. He has stepped up around the house, all while continuing to be a dedicated football player.

Jalen Smith; Cardinal Hayes High School (Bronx, NY)

After being faced with the challenge of transforming into a student athlete from being an athletic student due to academic probation, Smith used this as motivation to turn his priorities around. Not only did he turn his academic record around during this trying time, but he also led his JV team to an undefeated season and a championship. He used this platform to advocate for safety around the inner city. Moved by the violence he has witnessed in schools around the inner city, Jalen asks that every touchdown he scores gets a $1 donation that will be used to aid schools in the city with the appropriate safety methods, like more security cameras and metal detectors. Head Coach C.J. O’Neil states, “Jalen’s character far outweighs his efforts as a student-athlete on the field, which makes him the perfect candidate for Heart of a Giant.”

Voting for these nominees will be open for 25 days with final vote tally determining who will be named the group’s finalist. One grand prize winner will be selected based on video submissions stating why they have the Heart of a Giant and will be honored on the field during a New York Giants’ home game. All six finalists and four honorable mention finalists will receive $1,000 for their high school’s football program, with the winner’s school getting an additional $9,000.

To cast your vote, click here.