Vote: Pelham Player Up For Football Heart Of A Giant Award

The 2018 USA Football Heart of a Giant Award committee announced their second set of 10 outstanding Tri-State area high school football player nominees open for voting. This week there are four Hudson Valley players in the running, from Bardonia, Pelham, Pine Bush and Suffern.

These students have been nominated by their coaches for their commitment, teamwork, will, character and dedication. (No one nominated in Week One is from the Hudson Valley.)

Go here to vote.

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

For more information on the program, which is presented by Hospital for Special Surgery and NY Giants, click here.

WEEK 2 NOMINEES

1. Jaheem Burks; Malcolm X Shabazz (Newark, NJ)

After completing a strong Junior season Jaheim was working hard in the weight room and classroom. He attended a fashion show/ party with friends. He was on his way home when a unknow gunman opened fire on the crowd of teens leaving the venue. Unfortunately Jahiem was shot four times in his legs. He wa rushed to the hospital, he has undergone 3 surgeries since the incident. Jaheim’s goal was to do his rehab and rejoin his team. After 6 intense months he was cleared and has rejoined his teammates. Coach Darnell Grant explains, “Jaheem is not chasing a scholarship or trying to play D1, if you ask him why he plays it is because his brothers need him.”

1. Zion Frazier; Hackensack High School (Hackensack, NJ)

Zion Frazier has a superior work ethic. This off season he would walk almost 3 miles to work out with his speed and strength Coach when he didn't have a ride. Coach Benjie Wimberly states “His commitment and dedication raised the bar for the other kids in our program. He is also made in the mold of first out to practice and the last to leave.” Zion is also a Honor student and was inducted into the National Honor Society this past Spring. He is very active in the Hackensack community also. He works with a male mentoring group and has been lauded for his leadership.

1. Eric Genua; Suffern Senior High School (Suffern, NY)

“Eric has overcome a learning disability and the divorce of his parents to become our varsity football teams starting left offensive tackle” claims head football coach Bill Delaney. He has volunteered w/the Ramapo Police Athletic Leagues Spring Youth Flag Football Progrram for the last 2 years. He has also volunteered w/the local chapter of Pop Warner Youth Football, The Suffern Midget Mounties. Eric is also a member of the Suffern HS Varsity Wrestling Team.

1. Zaheir Mitchell; Wallington High School (Wallington, NJ)

Zaheir is a Junior who is a three sport letter winner for the past three years in football, basketball, and track. Zaheir accomplishes this all as he is being raised by his grandmother along with his 2 brothers and sister. Coach Barry Blauvelt says “Zaheir is a well-mannered student who has the respect of teachers, administration, and students alike. He has overcome various hardships in his life, that he has never used as an excuse, to excel in athletics.” Although not the biggest player on the field, 5'8" 145 pounds, he makes the biggest impact as growing up in a small apartment with his siblings and grandmother has taught him he can overcome adversity through perseverance.

1. Justin Peterson; Lenape Valley Regional High School (Stanhope, NJ)

Justin has an autoimmune disease called Alopecia. Justin started his own website to help educate people what alopecia is https://alopeciainsight.wixsite.com/alopeciainsight

Justin also volunteers his time with the Anti Bully Squad which was started by Justin's father in 2014. “If there is anyone in the state of New Jersey who deserves the title of Heart of a Giant it is definitely Justin Peterson” claims head football coach Don Smolyn.

1. Harry Ravitz; Pelham Memorial High School (Pelham, NY)

“In my ten years of coaching high school football, Harry Ravitz is the hardest working, most selfless and dedicated player I've ever coached” states head football coach Arthur Viggiano. Harry has played through numerous injuries and regardless of a win or loss, he plays with the same passion and love for football. Harry is a two sport athlete and captain of the football and basketball teams. He also finds time to volunteer by coaching youth football and basketball.

1. Jack Sullivan; Albertus Magnus High School (Bardonia, NY)

Coach Paul Villanueva says “Jack is not the biggest , fastest , or most talented player but an amazing heart earning his first starting position in 3 seasons.” Having dealt with the tragedy of losing a twin sibling he sites football and our team in particular as a highlight is his life. Always playing anywhere, secondary role, special teams he never complains, he even played JV as a junior at times after starting the year on varsity. When thanked for playing JV he said "this is the time of my life coach, I am the one who is thankful".

1. Gerard Urso; Howell High School (Farmingdale, NJ)

Gerard is known for being a hard worker and letting his play and production do the talking. Unfortunately, at the first scrimmage this year, Gerard broke his ankle and has had to sit out and watch his fellow seniors and teammates play through camp and the first game from the sidelines. Additionally, Gerard has had to deal with a very close family member fighting through some physical ailments throughout their life. Head football coach Luke Sinkhorn quickly states, “Through all this adversity Gerard has kept his head up and remained a strong captain and leader for his team. His hopes are to get back on the field and contribute to the team this season.”

1. Jake Walsh; Bernards High School (Pompton Lakes, NJ)

Coach Jon Simoneau says “Jake is a tremendously hard working senior in our program. This offseason he gave it his all in the weight room, improving his strength and having one of the best attendance records in the program.” All summer he has worked through severe shin splits, but has never taken a day off and always finishes the team conditioning even if he is in pain. He also works with the youth programs every summer and is well respected by his teammates, coaches, and members of the youth program.

1. Frank Wise; Pine Bush High School (Pine Bush, NY)

Frank is the hardest worker on the team, most dedicated player on the team – head football coach James Wright claimes “his football IQ is off the map; he is like having a second coach on the field.” In addition to football he organizes all the fundraisers and academic sessions for the team.