St. Anthony's Student Nominated For Heart Of A Giant Award

SOUTH HUNTINGTON, NY — Andrew Bardak, a football player at St. Anthony's High School, has been nominated for USA Football’s Heart of a Giant Award. Nominees are chosen by their coaches for displaying commitment, teamwork, will, character and dedication. The award is presented by Hospital for Special Surgery and the New York Giants.

Bardak is a 5 feet 9 inches middle linebacker who is a senior. His goal is to attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, following in the footsteps of his older sister and brother who currently attend the U.S. Airforce Academy, according to Bardak's coach, Joseph Minucci.

Several months ago, Bardak was told he was not going to be recruited to West Point as a football player, Minucci said via news release.

"When Andrew heard the news he did not shy away from his goal of attending West Point," Minucci said. "Andrew's commitment to gaining acceptance to West Point grew stronger. He is a tireless worker on the field and in the classroom. His leadership is second to none. In almost 20 years of coaching, I have never been around a leader like Andrew."

Bardak was announced in the third set of nominees for the award, which looks at all high school football players in the Tri-State area. People can vote for the nominees through Oct. 10, with the final vote tally determining who will be named the group's finalist.

There will be six weekly finalists and five wild card finalists, leading to 11 total honorees. Each finalist will receive $1,000 for their high school’s football program, with the grand prize winner’s school getting an additional $4,000. The grand prize winner will be selected based on video submissions stating why they have the Heart of a Giant.

To vote on the Heart of a Giant award, click here.

On his Heart of a Giant profile, Bardak said he most exemplifies character out of the award's list of characteristics.

"Character is the most important attribute of a leader," Bardak said. "A leader without character is no leader at all. I embody this characteristic every day both on and off of the field."

Bardak said he cleans the sidelines after each practice and returns forgotten items to his teammates. Before practice, he carries the water and equipment out to the field for his teammates. He also aims to have each teammate's back.

"When a teammate makes a mistake, both in practice or game, I am always the first person to support them and motivate them," Bardak said.