SCHILLER PARK, Ill. — As captain of his football and soccer teams, John David Bruce, a senior from Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga, Tenn., has truly lead by example. Dedicated to his community, academics and the playing field, Bruce excels in all aspects of his life. Recognized as the 2009 Hammer Strength Football Player of the Year, Bruce played football and soccer all four years of his high school career, put in extra volunteer hours in his community in his free time, all the while maintaining a 3.98 grade point average.
Entering football camp at 147 pounds Bruce knew he needed to hit the weight room if he was going to play tight end. In three months, Bruce was able to pack on 20 pounds and started the season as what his coach describes as the “best blocking and receiving tight end on the team.”
When the team’s quarterback got injured mid-season, he stepped in. For his dedication and strong work ethic, he was named as the team’s first all-district player. He was voted by his teammates as the Most Valuable Player for the 2009 season, and earned the Scholar Athlete Award given by the University of Tennessee and the East Tennessee Chapter of the National Football Foundation to 25 deserving high school student athletes who have distinguished themselves on the field and in the classroom.
For his devotion and commitment to the game and his academics, Bruce was awarded the 2009 Hammer Strength High School Football Player of the Year. Nominated by Assistant Coach Fred Eaves, Bruce was hand picked by Hammer Strength from a sizable pool of nominees. The award honors student athletes who demonstrate consistent dedication in four key areas: work ethic, effort, leadership and academics.
Bruce will be presented with a trophy, receive a piece of Hammer Strength equipment for his high school’s weight room, and be profiled in the May issue of American Football Month magazine.
“This award recognizes those student athletes that stand out both on and off the field,” said Mark McCleary, the vice president of global marketing for Life Fitness. “It demonstrates what the Hammer Strength brand is recognized for, dedication, passion and determination. John David is devoted to his team, community and academic performance and he is the type of athlete that deserves an award like Hammer Strength Football Player of the Year.”
With a consistent grade point average of 3.98 throughout his high school career, Bruce is a member of the National Honor Society and Who’s Who Among High School Students and has won the Notre Dame High School Academic Achievement every year since he was a freshman. In his free time he enjoys volunteering for non-profit organizations including the Ronald McDonald House, Homeless Coalition and Life Care Centers of America.
“John David is an outstanding young man with many talents,” said Fred Eaves, the head strength and conditioning coach and assistant head football coach for Notre Dame High School. “He is extremely honorable, intelligent and hard working. He exemplifies all the characteristics needed to become the Hammer Strength Football Player of the Year.”
Bruce is hoping to attend Vanderbilt University in the fall.
