Master Coaches Survey

Lott Trophy Inks Deal with
Master Football Coaches

May 8, 2006

Newport Beach, Ca – The Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation, sponsor of The Lott Trophy, the only collegiate football award that considers character, has signed a deal with the Master Football Coaches to be exclusive voters on the annual award.

The Lott Trophy, named after former NFL Hall of Fame star Ronnie Lott, goes to the Defensive IMPACT Player of the Year, a player who has had the biggest impact on his team both on and off the field. IMPACT stands for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity, all characteristics exhibited by Lott during his illustrious playing career.

The Master Football Coaches, 17 of the most successful college coaches of all-time, will bring their expert analytical skills to their exclusive vote for Lott Trophy finalists. The winner will be announced at the annual awards banquet on December 10th at The Pacific Club in Newport Beach, CA. It is the only college football award the Master Coaches will vote on, a decision that shows the prominence of this new award.

"As a parent, I am deeply concerned with the growing number of scandals that rock our sports pages seemingly each day," said Bob Cristiano, of The Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation that sponsors the Trophy. "These are not the role models we wish our children to emulate. The Master Football Coaches' great reputations were built on their accomplishments and character. The two cannot be separated. We are delighted that the Master Football Coaches have selected The Lott Trophy as the only college football award on which they will cast a vote."

"Many of today's football awards are won due to media hype," said Master Coaches Executive Director Andy Curtin. "The Master Football Coaches won't let that happen with The Lott Trophy. Every Lott Trophy candidate will be seen by the Master Football Coaches numerous times during the season, and their vote will be based on their principles, which carried most of them to the Hall of Fame. Here you have coaches with great character voting for great players with similar character. You can't beat that formula."

In its first two years, The Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation has donated $170,000 to various national and local charitable organizations, including the Boys & Girls Club of America. The winners' school has received $25,000 for their general scholarship fund each year – the University of Georgia with Defensive End David Pollack winning the award in 2004 and the University of Alabama with Linebacker DeMeco Ryans winning last year. Their website can be found at www.thelotttrophy.com. The Lott Trophy Watchlist for 2006 can be found at the MCS Poll Blog.

The 17 Master Football Coaches are: John Cooper, Terry Donahue, Vince Dooley, Pat Dye, LaVell Edwards, Hayden Fry, Don James, Frank Kush, Dick MacPherson, Bill Mallory, Don Nehlen, John Ralston, John Robinson, Bo Schembechler, R.C. Slocum, Gene Stallings and George Welsh.