Hills West Football Player Nominated For Heart Of A Giant Award

A Half Hollow Hills High School West football player is among 10 Tri-State area players who were announced as the sixth and last set of nominees for the USA Football Heart of a Giant Award.

James Regateiro, also known as "Regs," is one of the largest and most powerful members of his school's football program.

Regs, a defensive lineman from Dix Hills, spends hours each day working out and watching game film.

“The only thing longer than Jimmy’s days may be his trademark locks of long blonde hair that make him resemble Thor,” Half Hollow Hills West Head Football Coach Kyle Madden told USA Football.

This big and strong football player who resembles Thor also has a soft side to him. Since he was 5 years old, Regs' family has taken less fortunate individuals into their home. He has become a defacto brother for many children who have no family and may not have experienced the love of a sibling.

The USA Football Heart of a Giant Award is presented by Hospital for Special Surgery & NY Giants.

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 chosen based on video submissions stating why they have the Heart of a Giant. The winner will be honored on the field during a New York Giants’ home game.

All six finalists will receive $1,500 for their high school’s football program, with the winner’s school getting an additional $3,500.

One other Long Island football player was nominated. Chris Higgins is an offensive lineman from Seaford High School with Type-one Diabetes. Despite having an extremely difficult and debilitating disease, he is a two-way starter on the offensive and defensive lines. Seaford head football coach Rob Perpall said “Chris’ desire, work ethic and ability to deal with his constant and unpredictable adversity is quite remarkable. He never complains, works his butt off, and is a tremendous role model for all our kids and coaches.”

To vote, go here.

Photo Credit: Ray Passaro. Image via Half Hollow Hills Central School District