Central High School named Russell Athletic 2015 ‘Fight Like Dylan Award’ recipient

PROVIDENCE – Central High School has been named Russell Athletic’s 2015 “Fight Like Dylan Award” recipient, for epitomizing perseverance through adversity.
The award, in its fifth year, honors high school programs around the nation that have demonstrated inspiring determination and perseverance through sports, according to the athletic wear company. Through the award, Central will receive a $50,000 equipment grant.

In 2015, the Central High School Knights football team made the state playoffs, recording their first winning season since 2011 while dealing with the tragic loss of a key player, as well as funding and resource challenges.
“The team has acted as a family for its players both on and off the field, providing both hope and opportunity,” Russell Athletic said in a statement.
Said Robby Davis, senior vice president and general manager, Russell Athletic, “Each year there are numerous deserving high schools that make this decision difficult. We received hundreds of entries from across the country and the fifth year of the program proved to be just as tough selecting a winner. We are inspired by this team and all of the students, faculty and supporting community at Central High School. It is an honor to present this award to them.”

In February 2014, Central football player George Holland, 17, died after being shot through a kitchen window.

Peter Rios, Central High School head football coach, athletic director and teacher, said they are grateful to be recognized with “this prestigious accolade.”

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“It’s tough to put into words how much this will mean to our players and overall community,” Rios said.

Each school that has received the award has honored the memory of Dylan Rebeor, a terminally-ill high school football player whose last wish before passing away in 2011 was for his teammates to receive new uniforms.

“Stories like Central High School are the reason I got involved with this tremendous program, and am proud to partner with Russell Athletic to recognize the Knights this year,” commentator and former NFL Coach Tony Dungy said. “Among the hundreds of entries were numerous worthy candidates, all honoring Dylan’s life and the meaning of this award. The way that Central rallied the entire school and surrounding community was truly inspiring.”
Dungy served as a judge on the panel that picked Central for the award.
To celebrate the award, select members of the Central Knights community went to Orlando, Fla., where they received the award during the Russell Athletic Bowl press conference on Dec. 28. They also will be recognized on the field during the 2015 Russell Athletic Bowl on Tuesday, to be broadcast live on ESPN.

Central joins four other high schools that previously received the award: Shoreham-Wading River High School in Shoreham, N.Y.; Buena Vista High School, Buena Vista, Colo.; Williamsport High School, Williamsport, Md.; and Edmonson County High School, Brownsville, Ky.
Information about Dylan and teams that received the award can be found HERE.

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