Twin Football Stars Nominated For Giants' Award After Losing Mom

WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NY — Westhampton Beach twins and star football players who were dealt a devastating life blow after the loss of their mother have been nominated to receive an award for their inner strength in the face of heartbreak.

The 2019 USA Football Heart of a Giant Award presented by Hospital for Special Surgery and NY Giants recently announced their third set of 10 outstanding tri-state area high school football player nominees open for voting recently.

"These students have been nominated by their coaches for their commitment, teamwork, will, character and dedication," a release said.

Jaden and Jesse Alfano-St. John of Westhampton Beach High School faced unspeakable tragedy when they lost their mother on Sept. 6.

Their tragic journey began on Jan. 30, when their mother went in for a routine exam and her esophagus was perforated, a release said.

For the next eight months, seniors Jesse and Jaden went to school, come home, and tried to help their parents with the house, dogs, and other day-to-day activities — all while shining on the field.

“One of the things that helped us stay focused was lifting weights, running, training and getting prepared for the upcoming football season," Jaden said. "We would train early in the morning and then after school. We would lift almost every day with the goal of getting bigger in our minds so when our mom finally came home from the hospital both of our parents would be there cheering us on and seeing our improvements.”

Head Coach Bryan Schaumloffel added: “With the passing of their mother only a week ago, the twins have returned to practice and school, are eager to play the game they love and the sport their mother Rose enjoyed watching them play.”

The Alfano-St. John twins, the release said, have vowed to dedicate every accomplishment they achieve this season to their mother.

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 and four honorable mention finalists will receive $1,000 for their high school’s football program, with the winner’s school getting an additional $9,000.

For more information on the program, click here.