Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
INDIANAPOLIS - Of the five state championship games in the RCA Dome this past weekend, three involved Elkhart County teams.
Of the the five individuals who were chosen as recipients of the prestigious Phil N. Eskew Award for Mental Attitude, three were from Elkhart County teams.
Brad Greenlee of NorthWood, Russ Mann of Concord and Craig Hisey of Jimtown were selected as recipients of the award that stands for excellence in mental attitude, scholarship, leadership and football ability. The recipients, who were nominated by their respective principals and coaches, will have a $1,000 scholarship presented to the high school in their name by Farm Bureau Insurance, the IHSAA's corporate sponsor.
NorthWood High School has had four recipients of the award, one in each of the years the Panthers have played in the state championship game.
When asked to comment on Greenlee winning the award this year, coach Rich Dodson jokingly said he thought this was the only thing his team could win in the state championship.
Greenlee said he realized the Panthers' goal was to win the state championship, but this was a positive way to end his high school career.
"It's a great honor," said Greenlee. "A lot of people have won this award in the past. I've kind of looked up to Ryan Hartman (1993 recipient). I'm just real excited about getting it."
Dodson conveyed the same sentiments, but at the time his emotions weren't at the same high as Greenlee's.
"What a fine career for Brad," said Dodson. "He deserves it."
Other Panthers who have received the award are Kevin Mullet in 1980, Phil Wilson in 1986 and Hartman in 1993.
Jimtown boasts winners in 1985 with Cary Starnal and Matt Lewinski in 1997.
This is Concord's second recipient. Steve Gordon won the award in 1984.
