In January of 2000, the Sugar Bowl Committee took over the title sponsorship of the New Orleans Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame. Included in the Bowl’s sponsorship of the chapter is the administration of an annual awards banquet held each spring to honor deserving high school football scholar athletes from the metropolitan area. Since 2000, the Sugar Bowl has recognized over 650 student-athletes while distributing more than $700,000 in scholarship money. To become a member of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame, please click here.
The Allstate Sugar Bowl Chapter held its 2023 Awards Luncheon on April 12 at the Audubon Tea Room. Thirty local high school football players were recognized for their achievements in the classroom, in the community and on the football field. The honorees were chosen from a group of nominated scholar athletes from the New Orleans area. From that group of 30, five were selected to receive Allstate Sugar Bowl Scholarships: four for $10,000 and one for $20,000 each. The scholarship winners were chosen based on essays submitted after being notified of their selection as scholar-athletes.
Mason Williams from Haynes Academy for Advanced Studies was the recipient of the $20,000 Oliver Delery Scholarship, named for the Sugar Bowl Committee-member and past president who passed away in 2020. The $10,000 scholarships were awarded to Garrett Cantrelle (Holy Cross School), Corey Ruth (McDonogh 35 High School), Alejandro Varela (Thomas Jefferson Academy), and Roland Waguespack, IV (Jesuit High School).
In addition to the high school honorees, two local leaders were recognized for their contributions to the community and the sport of football.
Eddie Bonine, the executive director of the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) since 2015, was presented with the Contributions to Amateur Football Award, which is given annually to an individual for his or her effort to promote the game, preserve its history and ensure its future. Bonine has been the executive director of the Louisiana High School Athletic Association since 2015. During his tenure at the LHSAA, Bonine has overseen numerous successful initiatives, including the implementation of a football playoff system, introduction of a statewide high school bowling championship, and the expansion of girls sports throughout the state. His leadership and commitment to promoting fairness and sportsmanship in high school athletics have made a lasting impact on the Louisiana high school sports community.
The director of athletics at Tulane University, Troy Dannen, was presented with the Distinguished American Award, which is presented each year to an individual who has set the standard for a life of service to the community and has made a significant contribution to the betterment of amateur football. Dannen is wrapping up his seventh year as Tulane University’s Director of Athletics. The 2022-23 year has been one of significant success for the Green Wave. Most visibly, the Green Wave football team recorded one of the best seasons in program history. The Wave rolled to a 12-2 overall record, winning the American Athletic championship and then shocking No. 8 USC in the Cotton Bowl. The Cotton Bowl was the Wave’s first major bowl appearance since the 1940 Sugar Bowl. In addition, the Tulane men’s basketball team posted a 20-11 record, its first 20-win season since 2012-13.
The New Orleans Chapter of the National Football Foundation was established in 1967. The Sugar Bowl took over sponsorship of the chapter in 2000 and since then it has recognized over 600 student-athletes while distributing over $700,000 in scholarship money.
