Coming off state title, First Baptist's Michael Votta awarded $10,000 at NFF Collier Banquet
When Michael Votta didn’t hear his name called among the first 11 players to receive scholarship money, he tried to keep a straight face on the podium.
He knew what was coming: the grand prize.
The First Baptist standout, who played linebacker and some safety during his last two years with the Lions, received the $10,000 Downing Scholarship Saturday night at the National Football Foundation Banquet at the Naples Grande Beach Resort.
“It’s really special,” Votta said. “This is obviously something I’ve worked very hard for. With football being such a big part of my life, balancing school with that, and doing things in the community, it’s always been such a big thing and it’s a great way to cap the year after winning a state championship. This is the perfect ending for me. I’m really appreciating all of it.”
In the six-year history of the NFF Collier Chapter, Votta is the first FBA player to win the coveted scholarship. Votta wasn’t just successful on the gridiron, but he was elected as class president three times as a freshman, sophomore, and junior.
Votta was selected to the Naples Daily News All-Area Football Defense team each of the last two seasons. As a junior and senior, Votta combined to post 228 tackles, 25 for loss, 3.5 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries, and an interception.
“It’s very fitting,” First Baptist coach Billy Sparacio said of Votta being the first Lion to win the scholarship. “Mike was a huge part of the leadership of our team, a very successful team. He obviously is a great student, does a great job in the classroom. He was a great leader for us, and a great football player.
“… He’s top of the class. He’s phenomenal in the classroom. He’s a gifted athlete, but he’s also a gifted student. He works hard. He’s a bright young man. Everything we gave him X and O wise, he was able to absorb, and give back to everybody else on the defense. He was like a coach on the field.”
Barron Collier’s Brandon Torres, previously committed to Brown for much of the season, flipped his commitment to Florida State at a preferred walk-on before signing day. Torres posted a 4.6 GPA with the Cougars, and was the recipient of the NFF Team of Distinction Award, a $5,000 scholarship.
St. John Neumann’s Stephen Sedio was the winner of the NFF Leadership Award Scholarship, worth $4,000. A total of $44,500 was handed out at Saturday night’s event.
Three others were honored Saturday night as well. Washington Commanders Defensive Line coach Jeff Zgonina was the recipient of the Contributions to the Game award. Gulf Coast alum and current Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Lukas Masterson won the Collier County Legend award, while Charlie Gogolak, a former NFL kicker who fled Hungary for the United States in 1956, won the Distinguished American award.
Scholarship Winners
Joanne & George Downing Scholar-Athlete of the Year Scholarship Award ($10,000)
Michael Votta, First Baptist
National Football Foundation Team of Distinction Award ($5,000)
Brandon Torres, Barron Collier
National Football Foundation Leadership Award ($4,000)
Stephen Sedio, St. John Neumann
Outstanding Community Service Award ($3,500)
Nicholas Fredette, Naples
Matthew C. Sellitto Scholarship Award ($3,500)
Chase Atterbury, Community School of Naples
Jonathan D. Sellitto Scholarship Award ($3,500)
Henry Takacs, Gulf Coast
$2,500 Scholarships
Wilson Bartolon, Golden Gate
Ted Blanchard, Immokalee
Jaime Cisneros III, Lely
Daniel Donaldson, Marco Island
Anthony Della Posta, Palmetto Ridge
Aurelius Walton, Palmetto Ridge
Follow Southwest Florida Sports Writer Alex Martin on Twitter: @NP_AlexMartin. For the best sports coverage in Southwest Florida, follow @newspresssports and @ndnprepzone on Instagram.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: National Football Foundation Collier awarded athletes scholarships at banquet
