BUFFALO, N.Y. — The annual Dick Gallagher Football Awards Banquet on Saturday honored the region's best high school performers.
This year's Dick Gallagher High School Football Player of the Year award went to Canisius running back Elijah Kimble. Dozens of other players also received trophies for their accomplishments.
"It's super important," Frank Wolf of WNY Athletics said. "You've got to recognize these kids for their achievements and let them know that their hard work didn't get unnoticed, and I think it inspires younger kids to want to go out and play a sport.
"It doesn't have to be football, but these award programs are very important to kids. I think it helps build character down the road, and we've got to continue doing that."
This year's Mount Crushmore recipients — honoring the meanest, toughest defensive players during the season — included Cole Bloomquist of Jamestown, Jeremiah Guerrero of St. Joe's, Zach Trietley of Salamanca, and Limmie Johnson Bates of McKinley.
Dick Gallagher was a staple here at 2 On Your Side, covering high school sports. He died in 2020, but his mission still continues.