Winslow and Cheverus Lineman Win Gaziano Awards

Winslow's Alec Clark and Frank Curran of Cheverus capped off their high school football career in style Saturday as they received the Gaziano Award for top lineman in the state.Clark was named the top offensive lineman in the state while Curran was named the top defensive lineman based on their work on the field, in the classroom, and in their communities. The two winners each received a trophy, leather jacket and scholarship of $5,000, the largest high school football scholarship of its kind in the country.

Alec Clark, Winslow High School

Frank J. Gaziano Offensive Lineman of the Year

Clark made the honor roll at Winslow High School and earned High Honors MMTC in 2014-2015. A four-year starter, Clark has never missed a game in his high school career. He is a two-time all-conference selection and in 2015 led the Winslow defense with 54 tackles and five sacks. In 2015, he was named to the first team all-conference team on both offense and defense sides of the ball. He was also named the Morning Sentinel Player of the Year and Big Ten Player of the Year. Away from the field, he is a three-time powerlifting champion for his age group in Maine and holds several United States records. His extracurricular activities include horseback riding and he is a member of the 4-H Club. He volunteers by coaching youth football and cheerleading. He has also volunteered for food drives and supported the local homeless shelter. Clark is also a business owner of A.C Pumpkins in Winslow.

Frank Curran, Cheverus High School

Frank J. Gaziano Defensive Lineman of the Year

Curran, a three year starter for the Stags, was captain of the 2015 squad. He finished the season with 63 tackles and five sacks and was named lineman of the year in Class A North. As an active member of his community, he has helped with community clean-up projects, volunteered at the local food kitchen, helped with food drives and participated in several events to raise awareness for breast cancer.

The scholarship and awards program for Maine senior high school football linemen was created in memory of Frank J. Gaziano, founder of National Distributors and a former college All American and professional football player with a lifelong passion for local sports.

Alec Clark (center) of Winslow High School accepts the scholarship check from Jeff Kane (right), president of National Distributors, and Dan O'Connell (left) John Bapst football coach and Gaziano committee member.

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