Penton Wins Wuerffel Trophy – Ohio State Buckeyes
12/6/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
Dec. 6, 2006
Ohio State senior defensive tackle was named winner of the 2006 Wuerffel Trophy Wednesday, given annually to the college football player who best combines exemplary community service with athletic and academic achievement.
The award is presented by the All Sports Association of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., and is named after Danny Wuerffel, Heisman trophy winning quarterback at the University of Florida and NFL veteran who graduated from Fort Walton Beach High School. While being a great college quarterback, Wuerffel is also remembered for his work off the field–including running Desire Street Ministries, faith-based organization for underprivileged kids in New Orleans.
Penton is active in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Athletes in Action and Campus Crusade for Christ, volunteering time to local high school chapters. He also is a four-time OSU Scholar-Athlete and a four-year letterwinner on the football field for the Buckeyes, who will face Florida Jan. 8 for the national title.
Penton’s speaking engagements number well over 100 and much of his community service work has been done without notice during the past five years. He helped plan the “Main Event” outreach meeting in October, an event that drew more than 13,000 people.
A veteran of 42 games for Ohio State, Penton made four starts as a senior in 2006 for the undefeated Buckeyes and finished the regular season with 17 tackles and two sacks, including one of Michigan quarterback Chad Henne in the second quarter for a 10-yard sack. Penton earned second-team academic all-district honors, as well.
