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The IMPACT foundation has released their list of 20 players that are still in the running for the 14th annual award and Cougar star Hercules Mata’afa is on it. The IMPACT trophy goes to the college football defensive player who makes the biggest “IMPACT” on and off the field. IMPACT is an acronym for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community, and Tenacity. The foundation touts their award as the only one to equally recognize athletic performance and personal character. The award was, of course, named after NFL hall of fame safety Ronnie Lott.
The semi-finalists for the award will be announced November 8th and the finalists the 28th of the same month. A banquet will be held in Newport Beach on December 10th for the finalists and to announce a winner. Each of finalists have $5,000 contributed to their school’s scholarship fund with $25,000 going to the winner.
Mata’afa is having another terrific year and has been named to a number of mid-season All-American teams. He leads the Pac-12 in sacks. Great to see a Cougar recognized for his work on and off the field at a national level.
Football
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