Somerville Football Player Nominated For Heart Of A Giant Award

SOMERVILLE, NJ — A Somerville High School East football player is among the nominees for the fifth week of voting for the 2018 USA Football Heart of a Giant Award.

Joseph Ciempola, a linebacker for Somerville High School, had to convince his mom to allow him to play football.

"This sport is a lot different than other sports in many ways, which I admire dearly. The first thing, and most important thing to me was the comradery between all the players. No other sport goes through the physical requirements that football does. Whether it is having all my brothers out there with me on the line preparing to do the 10th gasser in a row, or celebrating our state championship together, the emotions that we go through together is the reason why we are so close, and what makes this sport even more special to me," Ciempola said.

Ciempola was nominated by head football Coach Dallas Whitaker.

“Joe is one of the hardest working and the most coachable players I have ever had. In addition to being the team's number one leader he works year round with our school's life skills program and unified bowling team. In addition Joe is also in the high school's peer leadership program. Joe has selflessly devoted himself to individuals with special needs his entire high school career. He is a leader within the community and conducts himself as such at all times. Joe's devotion to his community has been done without any need for recognition and for that reason his coach has nominated him for this award," said Whitaker.

The 2018 USA Football Heart of a Giant Award presented by Hospital for Special Surgery and NY Giants announced their third set of 10 outstanding tri-state area high school football player nominees open for voting. These students have been nominated by their coaches for their commitment, teamwork, will, character and dedication. You can vote for Ciempola here.

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.

(Image via Heart Of A Giant with permission: Joseph Ciempola)

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