Sun., Feb. 21, 2010

   FORT WAYNE, Ind. - University of Saint Francis senior Justin Vela has been named the Cougars’ 2010 recipient of the Silver Helmet, which is selected by the USF coaching staff and recognizes academic and athletic achievement as well as outstanding attitude.

Vela (Roanoke, IN / Huntington North H.S.) was a solid offensive tackle for the Cougars who played his senior season despite off-season back surgery. This season he was selected by the USF coaching staff as Offensive Lineman of the Week several times.

The Silver Helmet Award was presented to Justin at the 2010 USF Football Awards Banquet on Sun., Feb. 21, at the Landmark Conference and Reception Centre. Vela, the son of Delilah and Angel Vela, was named Mid-States Football Association Mideast League second team offensive lineman for the second consecutive season. He was a 2-time NAIA Daktronics Scholar Athlete and a 2-time All-MSFA Academic Team selection and

“We’re going to miss Justin’s perseverance, his work ethic and his positive demeanor no matter what the circumstances,” USF head coach Kevin Donley said praising Vela. “He has been an asset on the field and in the classroom and epitomizes the NAIA ‘Champions of Character’ initiative.”

USF head coach Kevin Donley also presented USF All-American running back Daniel Carter with a special football covered with the conference and USF records he set during his four-year career.

Special guests included USF graduate and trustee and President and CEO of Steel Dynamics, Keith Busse (and winning honorary coach of the 2009 Spring Game; Mike Joyner, Fort Wayne Police Department spokesperson representing Mayor Tom Henry; and Sister Elise Kriss.

-- GO USF --