Edwards Earns Rittichier Award
8/22/2018 10:08:00 PM | Football
As Kent State closed out its 2018 preseason camp, junior Darrick Edwards was presented with the Jack Rittichier Memorial Award Wednesday inside Dix Stadium's teamroom. An undersized, walk-on, running back, Edwards was recognized for continuously displaying the characteristics of Rittichier over the past eight months.
"Darrick's an incredibly selfless individual," Head Coach Sean Lewis said. "He has done a great job the whole time we've been here working extremely hard. He shared a story with us the other night that when he's done, he's going to join the military and give back to his country. His selflessness and sacrificing is going to continue well beyond Kent State.  Darrick may not be in the headlines come gameday, but he has a role that he thrives in, that ultimately helps us with our goals."
One of the most valued traditions within the football program, the award had a slight twist with the preseason timing. Lewis wanted the "Jack's Run" sculpture to go to a player that leads by example from winter workouts, to spring ball through summer workouts and preseason camp. The sculpture is based on a famous photo from Rittichier's 90-yard touchdown run in a comeback victory against Bowling Green.
A nameplate for Edwards will be added to the Rittichier Monument in the South Plaza of Dix Stadium. It is the only monument inside of an FBS stadium dedicated to a fallen hero.
Retired Coast Guard Lieutenant Commander Jim Loomis and Rittichier's 1954 Refrigerator Bowl teammate Allan Kaupinen spoke to the team about what made Rittichier so special, including the numerous lives he saved in the Great Lakes and Vietnam before his death in 1968.
A team captain in 1955, Rittichier is one of the most celebrated heroes in the history of the United States Coast Guard. Loomis, like Rittichier, is one of 11 Coast Guard pilots remembered for serving in combat rescue missions during the Vietnam War.   In 2009, Loomis gained the support of the Coast Guard Aviation Association to turn his idea for the award into reality.Â
Past Winners
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2008 |
Eugene Jarvis |
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2009 |
Brian Lainhart |
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2010 |
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2011 |
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2012 |
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2013 |
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2014 |
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2015 |
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2016 |
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2018 |
