Dec. 17, 2009
LAS VEGAS - University of Missouri senior defensive lineman Brian Coulter has been named one of three finalists for the 2009 College Football Rudy Award, as announced by the Rudy Foundation.
Forty-nine of the 120 Division I FBS football programs and all Division I FBS Conferences were represented in the nominations for the Award, which honors student-athletes who demonstrate exemplary CHARACTER, COURAGE, CONTRIBUTION and COMMITMENT as members of their collegiate football teams. These same traits were immortalized in the blockbuster film “RUDY” in 27 seconds and against all odds on a gridiron in South Bend, Ind., enabling Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger to carve his name into college football lore. More than 60,000 fans contributed online votes this year, which tallied together to count as a member of the Selection Committee.
The three finalists will be honored during the THIRD ANNUAL COLLEGE FOOTBALL RUDY AWARDSTM breakfast, Presented by Sprint, to be held in conjunction with the American Football Coaches Association Convention at 8:30 a.m. ET on January 11, 2010, at the Orlando World Center Marriott, in Orlando, FL. Rudy Ruettiger will personally present each individual with a classic finalist award and an academic scholarship will be made in his name to the general scholarship fund of his college or university. One overall winner will be presented with the bronze RUDY AWARD trophy and top scholarship. For more information, visit www.CollegeRudyAwards.com.
Coulter was nominated by the Tiger coaching staff for his work ethic and commitment to succeed despite facing difficult personal situations in his life over the years. Here's a recap of the nominating material provided to the Rudy Foundation about Coulter:
University of Missouri Tigers senior defensive end Brian Coulter has overcome what most would consider impossible odds. Family violence spiraled out of control in his childhood home, and one parent was killed, with the other being incarcerated. Coulter and his siblings were separated and forced into foster care. Then the harsh realities of Hurricane Katrina forced him out of the one positive foster care situation he found. Coulter didn't just survive, though -- he excelled. He worked hard and followed his dream of playing Division I football. Coulter went on to become a 1st team All-Region Junior College defensive end, before transferring to Missouri. But a foot injury caused him to tumble down the depth chart. Again, Coulter battled back, secured a starting role and became a dominant force on defense. With a maturity level that few of his teammates can match, Coulter never made excuses. His work ethic makes him a leader on the field and an inspiration to his teammates in the weight room and locker room. On campus, Coulter was the recipient of the Mizzou ROARS Courage Award, which is voted on by all the Missouri student athletes in recognition of outstanding courage and perseverance. In 2009, Coulter has had an outstanding season that has seen him register 39 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and 2.0 quarterback sacks for the Tiger defense. He combined with teammate Aldon Smith to tackle Kansas QB Todd Reesing for a safety in the closing minutes of Mizzou's Nov. 28th game against rival Kansas which was a crucial play in MU's 41-39 comeback win.
“We established this award as a special way to honor and recognize college football players for the size of their hearts instead of the enormity of their stats,” said Rudy Ruettiger. “This year's finalists again are true role models demonstrating exemplary CHARACTER, COURAGE, CONTRIBUTION and COMMITMENT. It was great to see more than 40% of the Division I football programs submit nominations, and to have more than 60,000 fans vote along with our prestigious Selection Committee, as we continue to build the RUDY AWARD into a top collegiate honor.”
The 2009 Award Selection Committee includes football coaches Barry Alvarez, David Bailiff, Gary Barnett, Fisher DeBerry, Dennis Franchione, June Jones, Chuck Knox, Gary Patterson, Buddy Pough, Jackie Sherrill and Dick Tomey, as well as former Washington Redskins Quarterback and Super Bowl MVP Doug Williams and NFL Hall of Fame member Eric Dickerson. Prominent businessman Peter Murphy, Jr., again serves as Chairman. Fan votes for the RUDY AWARDS™also contribute to the Selection Process.
Terry Clayton, then a senior linebacker at the University of Kentucky, who, despite losing his hearing at the age of five, persevered as a walk-on for the Kentucky football team for five seasons and twice was named to the Southeast Conference Academic Honor Roll was the recipient of the 2007 INAUGURAL COLLEGE FOOTBALL RUDY AWARD.
Drew Combs, then a senior kickoff specialist for Texas Christian University, who, despite being born with a left arm that ends at his elbow, made the TCU football team as a walk on and became a key weapon on special teams, was the recipient of the 2008 COLLEGE FOOTBALL RUDY AWARD.
The Rudy Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the support and recognition of those who aspire to fulfill their dreams through character, courage, contribution and commitment. Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger and his wife Cheryl founded The Rudy Foundation in 1997. Members of the board of directors include Jerome Bettis, Ross Browner, Rick Mirer and Aaron Taylor.
The son of an oil refinery worker and third of 14 children, Rudy Ruettiger rose from valleys of discouragement to the pinnacles of success. Today, he is one of the most popular motivational speakers in the U.S. It took years of fierce determination, yet Rudy achieved his first dream -- to attend Notre Dame and play football for the Fighting Irish. As fans cheered RU-DY, RU-DY, he sacked the quarterback in the only play in the only game of his college football career. Rudy Ruettiger remains the only player in the school's history ever to be carried off the field on his teammates' shoulders.
In 1993, TRISTAR Productions immortalized his life story with the blockbuster film, “RUDY.” Written and produced by Angelo Pizzo and David Anspaugh, the critically acclaimed movie continues to inspire millions worldwide.
In addition to his motivational speaking, Rudy Ruettiger has co-authored several books, including: “Rudy's Insights for Winning in Life,” “Rudy's Lessons for Young Champions,” and “The Rudy In You,” and has produced the Dream Power audio series. For more information visit: www.RudyAwards.com.