Dec. 16, 2008

PITTSBURGH—University of Pittsburgh junior walk-on defensive back Dan Cafaro has been named a finalist for the Second Annual College Football “Rudy Award,” it was announced today by the Rudy Foundation.

The Rudy Award is named after Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger, immortalized in the film “Rudy,” which chronicles the life of a persistent and dedicated walk-on college football player. The Rudy Award was created to honor student-athletes who demonstrate exemplary character, courage, contribution and commitment as members of their college football teams.

Cafaro (Upper St. Clair/Upper St. Clair) is one of the Pitt football program’s unsung heroes as a second-year walk-on. He will earn his first letter this year, playing in 10 games as a special teams contributor and making two tackles.

As a Rudy Award finalist, Cafaro will be honored at a breakfast to be held in conjunction with the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Convention on January 12, 2009, at the Opryland Hotel in Nashville, Tenn.  Rudy Ruettiger will personally present each finalist with an award and a collegiate scholarship.  An overall winner will be announced during the event and presented with the top scholarship and first-place sculpture trophy.

The other two Rudy Award finalists for 2008 are Texas Christian University senior kickoff specialist Drew Combs and University of Oklahoma senior safety and linebacker Nic Harris.

“We established this award as a special way to honor and recognize college football players for the size of their hearts instead of the enormity of their stats,” said Ruettiger. “It was great to see the number of nominations increase so drastically this year, as we continue to build the Rudy Award into a top collegiate honor. We are reminded by each nominee’s personal story that there really are no better role models on the gridiron than those who demonstrate great character, courage, contribution and commitment to their team.”

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