Ty Burford Receives National Football Foundation Awards, Jim Thornton Also Honored (03/18/17)

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The National Football Foundation, Central Pennsylvania Chapter held its 20th Annual Banquet on Sunday, March 12, 2017. Brandon Noble, former Penn Sate and Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle, was the featured speaker. Included in the ceremony was an appearance by James Franklin, coach Penn State football.

(Photos submitted) Ty Burford proudly displaying award is flanked by his parents Laura and Brian Burford and Coach Larry Wiser

The Foundation presented lifetime achievement awards to well-deserving coaches such as George Curry, Dave Baker, Don Bailey, and Gary Klingensmith. Clarion’s own, Jim Thornton (CUP Head Trainer), received the Lifetime Contribution to Football Award in Athletic Training.

Forty-six high school seniors from the center region were recognized as Scholar-Athletes. Among them was Ty Burford, nominated by Coach Larry Wiser. Each nomination includes a high school transcript and official test scores (SAT/ACT) as well as the nominees commitment to Community Service.

One scholar-athlete is awarded the Joe Sarra Community Service Award. Joe Sarra was a 40 year football coach. He coached from 1984-1999 for the Nittany Lions before taking an administrative job until his retirement in 2005. He had a strong dedication to the communities he lived in and this award is set up in his honor. Ty Burford was the recipient of this award this year. His mission work in NYC and the Appalachians, his involvement in YMCA flag football coaching, elementary football camp coaching, National Honor Society services, and his church and youth group activities all played a part in receiving this honor.

Ty with Penn State Football Coach James Franklin

Ty has this to say about receiving the Joe Sarra Award, “I can’t describe how much it means to me to win an award based off of community service. I just want to thank my parents and my football coach, Larry Wiser for being such positive influences in my life. I also want to thank the National Football Foundation for giving me the opportunity to win this award. I am beyond blessed to be able to participate and be included in such a great organization.”

Ty plans to continue his education at PSU Behrend in the fall majoring in Mechanical Engineering.

Coach Wiser stated, “First of all, it is an honor to represent the Clarion Area in the National Football Foundation.
Each year Clarion has been represented by an exceptional athletic, student, and most important fine young man.

“This year has been no exception with Ty Burford representing Clarion Area. Ty has been an outstanding football player, a young man that instills confidence and brings passion integrity, focus, persistence, honesty and generosity to the table. Beyond his school activities he has volunteered for food pantry,youth sports, and mission trips.”

(Congratulations Ty and Jim!!!!)