Ashtabula County Touchdown Club
Founded in 1970, the Ashtabula County Touchdown Club was established to promote football throughout Ashtabula County. For many years, the Club has proudly hosted an annual awards banquet during the first week of December to honor the achievements of Ashtabula County athletes, both on and off the football field.
Honoring Excellence in Football
Each year, the top football players in Ashtabula County are recognized for their performance, including those selected to the First and Second All-Ashtabula County Teams. The banquet also celebrates the Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year, along with the Coach of the Year, as recognized by The Star Beacon.Hall of Fame Inductions
Several years ago, the Ashtabula County Football Hall of Fame partnered with the Touchdown Club to include the Hall of Fame induction ceremony in the annual awards banquet. Since 2004, this tradition has honored new inductees from across the schools of Ashtabula County.Annual Scholarship Awards
One of the most anticipated moments of the banquet is the presentation of scholarships to outstanding senior scholar-athletes in the Ashtabula County area. These scholarships include:
1. Courageous Athlete Scholarship ($500):
Presented in memory of Hall of Fame inductee Nick Deligianis, this award is made possible by the generosity of his family and honors a student-athlete who has demonstrated exceptional courage.
Presented in memory of Hall of Fame inductee Nick Deligianis, this award is made possible by the generosity of his family and honors a student-athlete who has demonstrated exceptional courage.
2. East Ashtabula Educational Assistance Scholarship ($1,000):
Awarded to a deserving scholar-athlete selected by the Touchdown Club’s Scholarship Committee.
3. John D. Buskirk Memorial Scholarship ($1,000):
Presented to a scholar-athlete who has attained exemplary academic achievements.
4. Robert M. Herpy Memorial Scholarship ($1,000):
Awarded in memory of longtime Geneva Eagles coach Robert Herpy, this scholarship recognizes excellence in academics, athletics, and community involvement.
5. Warren G. Andrews Memorial Scholarship ($1,500):
Given to a student who has excelled on the football field, in the classroom, and in the community. Warren Andrews was a founder of the Touchdown Club and a Hall of Fame member.
6. Robert L. Wiese Memorial Scholarship ($2,000):
In memory of Bob Wiese, a multi-sport athlete and All-American football player at the University of Michigan who later played for the Detroit Lions. This award honors both athletic and academic excellence, as Wiese was also the top scholar-athlete in the Big 10 Conference.
7. Additional Touchdown Club Scholarships ($500 each):
These awards are selected based on applications submitted for the Robert L. Wiese Scholarship, using information provided by each county school.
Selection Process
Student-athletes are nominated by coaches and school administrators based on their athletic performance, academic record, and involvement in school and community activities. A comprehensive, multi-page questionnaire is used to gather relevant information for evaluation. Final recipients are chosen by an independent Selection Committee engaged by the Touchdown Club.
Supporting the Game, Growing the Community
The Ashtabula County Touchdown Club continues to explore new ways to support and promote football in the community. In 2014, the Club launched its annual fundraising golf outing, which includes an inter-school district competition between county football programs. The winning school is awarded a traveling trophy, symbolizing excellence and teamwork.
