Kyle Muka is a 5'1” 110lb. sophomore attending Pioneer Valley Regional School in Northfield Mass. 4 years ago Kyle's Dad called me to see if Kyle could practice with the football team as a 7th grader. Kyle was allowed to practice with us, but not allowed to have any contact or play in any games. He never missed a practice that year. Kyle is now on the Varsity team and starts on special teams(yes, at 5'1”, 110lbs). Even though Kyle has not grown in 4 years he still insists on playing guard on offense and inside backer on defense. He has perfect blocking and tackling technique, which allows him to survive up front. He has no problem running full speed into any 250 lb. fullback or pulling and trapping any defensive tackle. His presence on the field inspires everyone else on the team. If Kyle can do it, then why shouldn't they be able to. Beyond the football field he is an amazing young man.

He is in student counsel, is a peer mediator, a straight “A” student with a GPA of 3.97, as well as a member of the wrestling and track teams.

Here are some quotes taken from some of his teachers. His 8th grade English teacher writes “....Kyle exemplifies Kohlberg's Six Levels of Moral Development,....He is simply one of the most decent human beings I have had the pleasure of encountering, because he is genuine.” His 10th grade English teacher writes “As a 7th grader, caught my attention as a young man far beyond his years in terms of leadership, a sense of fairness, and just plain good sense. What a scrapper and, I'm guessing, a natural inspiration to any team.” His Gym teacher writes “Kyle has always been courteous, friendly, polite, respectful of his peers and teachers, helpful to others, respectful of others skills and handicaps, and generally the nicest student I have ever had, in elementary, middle, or high school.” His 7th grade Math teachers writes “When Kyle was in the 7th grade we were bowled over by Kyle's maturity and enthusiasm. It was like having another adult in the room. He told us privately right away that he aspires to go to Annapolis......I hope he wins” His health and Physical Education teacher and peer mediator advisor writes “I cannot say enough about the choice of Kyle Muka for this nomination!....He is a quiet leader. There isn't a group of students in this building that doesn't look up to Kyle and respect him. He is an outstanding student as well as a remarkable, compassionate skilled mediator. Kyle is the poster child of our Mission and Expectations. Don't let his size fool you!” One of his fellow teammates (starting tackle) writes “....,it takes courage to run 110% full speed down the field and take anyone on that got in his way. What an inspiration for the team, do not hold anything back but also in life......don't let other people tell you, you can't do it. Kyle Muka has not only inspired me but the whole team.”

I have been coaching football for 31 years (29 as head coach). I have written my share of recommendations for players as they apply for college, however I have never found that I had a player worthy of any special awards like this one. This is the first time I have taken the time to do this, because I would be doing Kyle a huge injustice if I did not nominate him. I would not bother to, if I thought he was amongst the average inspirational players in the country. A 30 second clip of our football practice would show you 100 times what any words can say. Kyles presence on the field inspires all around him that anyone can do anything. Quite simply Kyle Muka is THE Finest Young man I have had the pleasure to work with. As I see him in school with his weekly Navy attire on, I know that I will see him with his Midshipman uniform on as his pride is expressed at Annapolis someday.

It is my hopes that you take the time to seriously consider Kyle as your first High School Rudy Award recipient. I am confident that he possesses all of the qualities that you are looking for.

• Size & Struggle is a theme for 'Rudy' Award nominees