Named in honor of former Assistant Football Coach Steve Little. Coach Little had a storied life in football that included being a team captain and All-Big 8 selection at Iowa State University. He then spent time coaching at Iowa State, Temple University, Purdue University, Northern Illinois University and then in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills, Carolina Panthers, San Francisco 49ers, and the Chicago Bears. Coach Little joined the Foresters in 2009 as part of Coach Jim Catanzaro’s first staff and was instrumental in the turnaround that led from a 2-8 season in 2009 to a Midwest Conference Championship in 2012. Coach little passed away in 2014 just before the football season started.
Coach Little was a beloved mentor who focused on the total development of his players. A former NFL Strength and Conditioning Coach and College academic coordinator, the Steve Little Memorial Award encompasses attributes that Coach Little valued and encouraged every day.
The Steve Little Award is given annually to a player to recognize his commitment toward improved academic abilities, skills and performance through a determined effort not just on talent alone.
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| YEAR |
HONOREE |
| 2024 |
Jacob Cutler, LB |
| 2023 |
Aayden Dodd, LS |
| 2022 |
VIncent Wallace, QB |
| 2021 |
Cooper Tomlin, TE |
| 2019 |
Johnny Laponte, LB and Jordan Briggs, DB |
| 2018 |
Zach Wade, QB |
| 2017 |
Charlie Timmerman, LB |
| 2016 |
Joel Nierling, HB |
| 2015 |
Hector Mendoza, LB |
| 2014 |
Corey Lustig, RB |
