Libby wins Gaziano award

AUGUSTA — The final award of the 2011 Maine high school football season has now come and gone.

Thornton Academy defensive lineman Luke Libby and Scarborough offensive lineman Logan Mars each received the Frank J. Gaziano award on Sunday afternoon at the Augusta Civic Center.

“The stress is off,” Libby said. “It’s an honor to win this award.”

The award, in its second season, is given to one offensive and one defensive lineman. Beyond the award, each winner receives a $2,500 scholarship.

Matt McLean of Windham and Rudy Pandora of Lewiston were the runners-up for the offensive lineman award, while Max Andrews of John Bapst and Matt Ross of Cape Elizabeth were second and third for the defensive lineman award.

“I was really humbled to be here,” Mars said. “Everybody in this room has a lot of football history, and everybody that I had to go through to get this award are just phenomenal football players.”

Libby, a senior, had 64 tackles during the season for the Golden Trojans, along with six sacks. Thornton reached the Western Maine Class A title game before losing to Cheverus ”“ the eventual Class A champs.

“Usually you don’t get all the recognition, we’re not in the papers or in headlines, we’re not there for everyone to see,” Libby said. “This (award) is just great.”

The event was hosted by WCSH sports anchor Bruce Glacier, and keynote speakers included Bates College defensive line coach Skip Capone, as well as University of Maine defensive lineman ”“ and former Windham player ”“ Raibonne Charles.

“I’m glad to see you guys get recognized, because you are the true heart and soul of the team,” Charles said. “I would say that this award may even be more prestigious than the Fitzpatrick, because without you in the room, there is no Fitzpatrick (winner), there is no Gatorade state player of the year. You guys make that possible for the skills players up for that award.”

The award is named after Frank Gaziano, the late founder of National Distributors in South Portland, who played football at Holy Cross and played professional football for the Boston Yanks ”“ now the Indianapolis Colts ”“ in the early 1940s.

A selection committee interviewed each candidate. Winners were selected for their performance on the field, in the classroom and their contributions in the community.

Much like the Fitzpatrick trophy, Libby and Mars each received a personal trophy, while their respective schools will also receive a trophy to be held onto for a year. Each of the finalists also received a Gaziano Award jacket.

Mars plans to attend the United States Coast Guard Academy this fall, while Libby has not yet decided, though he is looking for a pre-dental program in the hopes of becoming an orthodontist.

The award ceremony began last year, with former Bonny Eagle lineman Nate Martel winning the defensive lineman award and former South Portland player Matt Welch winning the offensive lineman award.

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