Fisher Catholic’s JJ Viau honored at Scholar-Athlete Banquet in Columbus

Tom Wilson, Lancaster Eagle-Gazette
·2 min read
Fisher Catholic’s JJ Viau, standing with Ohio State head football coach Ryan Day, was one of only 14 Central Ohio High School Football Scholar-Athletes honored during the Columbus Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame Awards Banquet, which was held last week on the campus of Ohio State University.
Fisher Catholic’s JJ Viau, standing with Ohio State head football coach Ryan Day, was one of only 14 Central Ohio High School Football Scholar-Athletes honored during the Columbus Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame Awards Banquet, which was held last week on the campus of Ohio State University.
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COLUMBUS – Fisher Catholic senior JJ Viau received a big-time honor last week when the Columbus Chapter of The National Football Foundation (NFF) and College Hall of Fame hosted its 62nd annual Scholar-Athlete Awards Banquet.

The event was held at the Ohio Union on the campus of The Ohio State University. Awards were given to the top high school and college football scholar-athletes in the central Ohio area.  Viau, who earned All-honors as a kicker, was one of only 14 high school scholar-athletes who were presented with John H. McConnell and Worthington Industries Foundation Scholarships to further their educations.

The Ohio Gold Award was presented to Ohio State head football coach, Ryan Day.  This is the most prestigious honor that the chapter presents annually to a former player, coach, administrator, or person who has had a positive impact on amateur football in Central Ohio.  Previous Ohio Gold recipients include Joey Galloway, Troy Smith, Orlando Pace, Eddie George, Archie Griffin, Woody Hayes, Earle Bruce, John Cooper, Gene Smith, Chris Spielman, Ann Hayes, Jim Tressel, A.J. Hawk and John Hicks, among others.

The annual Larry Larson High School Coaches Award was presented to longtime central Ohio high school football coach, Buddy White.  Longtime central Ohio play-by-play announcer, Randy Rhinehart received the chapter’s media award.

The Tyson Gentry Courage Award was presented to Ohio State receiver Kamryn Babb, who was also the scholar-athlete nominee from Ohio State.  Established in 2009 and presented annually to a player, coach staff member, or fan whose actions best demonstrate the qualities of courageous leadership shown by Tyson Gentry.

“This was a special evening recognizing yet another exceptional group of scholar-athletes in central Ohio,” said Katie Logan, president of the Columbus Chapter.  “Year after year, we are reminded of how many young, future leaders we have in our community. Celebrating them, along with some incredible coaches, former players and media members made for an unforgettable evening.”

This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Fisher Catholic’s JJ Viau honored at Scholar-Athlete Banquet in Columbus