Touchdown Club of Columbus

Athletic club in Ohio, USA From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Touchdown Club of Columbus was founded in Columbus, Ohio, in 1956 by Sam B. Nicola at the request of state auditor James A. Rhodes, who later became governor of the state.[1] Nicola served as the club's president until his death in 1993. More than a decade later, his son Sam Nicola Jr. took over the Touchdown Club.[1] On January 22, 2020, the president of the Touchdown Club of Columbus, Curt Boster, announced on the club's Facebook page the cancellation of the awards, citing difficulty of maintaining the event without a title sponsor.

Logo of the Touchdown Club of Columbus

Awards

The Touchdown Club of Columbus gave several awards to recognize outstanding athletes.[2]

Sammy Baugh Trophy

The Sammy Baugh Trophy was awarded annually to the nation's top collegiate passer. It is named after TCU quarterback Sammy Baugh.

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Season Winner Team
1959 Dick Norman Stanford
1960 Hayseed Stephens Hardin–Simmons
1961 Ron Miller Wisconsin
1962 Don Trull Baylor
1963 Don Trull (2) Baylor
1964 Jerry Rhome Tulsa
1965 Steve Sloan Alabama
1966 Bob Griese Purdue
1967 Terry Hanratty Notre Dame
1968 Chuck Hixson SMU
1969 Mike Phipps Purdue
1970 Pat Sullivan Auburn
1971 John Reaves Florida
1972 Don Strock Virginia Tech
1973 Jesse Freitas Jr. San Diego State
1974 Gary Sheide BYU
1975 Gene Swick Toledo
1976 Tommy Kramer Rice
1977 Guy Benjamin Stanford
1978 Steve Dils Stanford
1979 Marc Wilson BYU
1980 Mark Herrmann Purdue
1981 Jim McMahon BYU
1982 John Elway Stanford
1983 Steve Young BYU
1984 Robbie Bosco BYU
1985 Brian McClure Bowling Green
1986 Vinny Testaverde Miami (FL)
1987 Don McPherson Syracuse
1988 Steve Walsh Miami (FL)
1989 Jeff George Illinois
1990 David Klingler Houston
1991 Ty Detmer BYU
1992 Elvis Grbac Michigan
1993 Trent Dilfer Fresno State
1994 Kerry Collins Penn State
1995 Danny Wuerffel Florida
1996 Steve Sarkisian BYU
1997 Ryan Leaf Washington State
1998 Daunte Culpepper UCF
1999 Chad Pennington Marshall
2000 Chris Weinke Florida State
2001 David Carr Fresno State
2002 Kliff Kingsbury Texas Tech
2003 B. J. Symons Texas Tech
2004 Stefan LeFors Louisville
2005 Brady Quinn Notre Dame
2006 Colt Brennan Hawaii
2007 Graham Harrell Texas Tech
2008 Sam Bradford Oklahoma
2009 Case Keenum Houston
2010 Landry Jones Oklahoma
2011 Case Keenum (2) Houston
2012 Colby Cameron Louisiana Tech
2013 Derek Carr Fresno State
2014 Brandon Doughty Western Kentucky
2015 Matt Johnson Bowling Green
2016 Patrick Mahomes Texas Tech
2017 Mason Rudolph Oklahoma State
2018 Dwayne Haskins Ohio State
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Jim Brown Trophy

This honor went to the NCAA's top running back, named after Syracuse running back Jim Brown.

Paul Warfield Trophy

Named after Ohio State wide receiver Paul Warfield, this honor was given to the nation's top collegiate wide receiver.

Jim Parker Trophy

Given yearly to the top collegiate offensive lineman. Named after Ohio State guard Jim Parker.

Bill Willis Trophy

Named after Ohio State middle guard Bill Willis, this award was given yearly to the top collegiate defensive lineman.

Jack Lambert Trophy

Named after Kent State linebacker Jack Lambert, this award was given yearly to the top collegiate linebacker.

Jack Tatum Trophy

Starting in 1991, the Jack Tatum Trophy was given yearly to the top collegiate defensive back. It is named after the legendary Ohio State safety Jack Tatum.

Archie Griffin Award

The Archie Griffin Award was given to college football's most valuable player for the entire season.[3][4] It was named after the only two-time Heisman Trophy winner, Ohio State running back Archie Griffin.

More information Season, Winner ...
Season Winner Pos. Team
1999 Michael Vick QB Virginia Tech
2000 Josh Heupel QB Oklahoma
2001 Ken Dorsey QB Miami (FL)
2002 Ken Dorsey (2) QB Miami (FL)
2003 Matt Leinart QB USC
2004 Matt Leinart (2) QB USC
2005 Vince Young QB Texas
2006 Troy Smith QB Ohio State
2007 Pat White QB West Virginia
2008 Colt McCoy QB Texas
2009 Toby Gerhart RB Stanford
2010 Andrew Luck QB Stanford
2011 Montee Ball RB Wisconsin
2012 Johnny Manziel QB Texas A&M
2013 Jameis Winston QB Florida State
2014 Marcus Mariota QB Oregon
2015 Deshaun Watson QB Clemson
2016 Sam Darnold QB USC
2017 McKenzie Milton QB UCF
2018 Trevor Lawrence QB Clemson
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Chic Harley Award

Named after Ohio State halfback Chic Harley, this award was presented to the College Football Player of the Year.

More information Season, Winner ...
Season Winner Pos. Team
1955 Howard Cassady[5] HB Ohio State
1956 Paul Hornung QB Notre Dame
1957 John David Crow HB Texas A&M
1958 Billy Cannon HB LSU
1959 Billy Cannon (2) HB LSU
1960 Joe Bellino HB Navy
1961 Ernie Davis HB Syracuse
1962 Terry Baker QB Oregon State
1963 Roger Staubach QB Navy
1964 Bob Timberlake[6] QB Michigan
1965 Mike Garrett RB USC
1966 Steve Spurrier QB Florida
1967 Gary Beban QB UCLA
1968 O. J. Simpson RB USC
1969 Steve Owens RB Oklahoma
1970 Jim Plunkett QB Stanford
1971 Pat Sullivan QB Auburn
1972 Johnny Rodgers WR Nebraska
1973 John Cappelletti RB Penn State
1974 Archie Griffin RB Ohio State
1975 Archie Griffin (2) RB Ohio State
1976 Tony Dorsett RB Pittsburgh
1977 Earl Campbell RB Texas
1978 Billy Sims[7] RB Oklahoma
1979 Charles White RB USC
1980 George Rogers RB South Carolina
1981 Marcus Allen RB USC
1982 Herschel Walker RB Georgia
1983 Mike Rozier RB Nebraska
1984 Doug Flutie QB Boston College
1985 Bo Jackson RB Auburn
1986 Jim Harbaugh QB Michigan
1987 Chris Spielman LB Ohio State
1988 Barry Sanders RB Oklahoma State
1989 Anthony Thompson RB Indiana
1990 Greg Lewis RB Washington
1991 Desmond Howard WR Michigan
1992 Gino Torretta QB Miami (FL)
1993 Charlie Ward QB Florida State
1994 Rashaan Salaam RB Colorado
1995 Eddie George RB Ohio State
1996 Troy Davis RB Iowa State
1997 Charles Woodson CB Michigan
1998 Ricky Williams RB Texas
1999 Ron Dayne RB Wisconsin
2000 Josh Heupel QB Oklahoma
2001 Ken Dorsey QB Miami (FL)
2002 Ken Dorsey (2) QB Miami (FL)
2003 Larry Fitzgerald WR Pittsburgh
2004 Reggie Bush RB USC
2005 Reggie Bush (2) RB USC
2006 Troy Smith QB Ohio State
2007 Tim Tebow QB Florida
2008 Sam Bradford QB Oklahoma
2009 Colt McCoy QB Texas
2010 Cam Newton QB Auburn
2011 Robert Griffin III QB Baylor
2012 Johnny Manziel QB Texas A&M
2013 Jordan Lynch QB Northern Illinois
2014 Marcus Mariota QB Oregon
2015 Christian McCaffrey RB Stanford
2016 Deshaun Watson[8] QB Clemson
2017 Baker Mayfield QB Oklahoma
2018 Dwayne Haskins QB Ohio State
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Kellen Moore Award

Previously called the Quarterback of the Year Award, this accolade differed from the Sammy Baugh Trophy in that it went to the top quarterback, rather than the top passer. Its name was changed to its current identity in 2012, honoring two-time winner Kellen Moore, who became the FBS all-time leader in wins by a quarterback after going 50–3 as the starter for the Boise State Broncos.

Ozzie Newsome Award

Named after Alabama tight end Ozzie Newsome, this award was presented annually to the top collegiate tight end.

Woody Hayes Trophy

Named after long-time Ohio State head football coach Woody Hayes, this award recognized the top collegiate coach.

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Zuppke Award

Named after Illinois head coach Robert Zuppke, the Zuppke Award trophy was given to the Touchdown Club of Columbus's selection for national champion college football team.[10][9]

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Freshman of the Year

This award was given yearly to the top college football newcomer.

Vlade Award

Named in honor of Vlade Janakievski, one of the most accurate placekickers in Ohio State football history, this award was given yearly to the most accurate college football placekicker.

More information Season, Winner ...
Season Winner Team
2010 Alex Henery Nebraska
2011 Brett Maher Nebraska
2012 Jeremy Shelley Alabama
2013 Roberto Aguayo Florida State
2014 Roberto Aguayo (2) Florida State
2015 Aidan Schneider Oregon
2016 Tyler Davis Penn State
2017 Matt Gay Utah
2018 Andre Szmyt Syracuse
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Paul Brown Trophy

Named after founder/head coach of both the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals Paul Brown, this trophy was presented annually to the NFL Coach of the Year.

Joe F. Carr Trophy

Named after National Football League (NFL) commissioner Joseph Carr, this trophy was presented annually (from 1955 to 1981) to the NFL Player of the Year. During a three-year span (1967–1969), there were an award for both the NFL and the American Football League (AFL).

Sam B. Nicola Trophy

Named for the club's founder, this trophy was presented annually to the National High School Player of the Year.

More information Year, Winner ...
Year Winner Team
1981 Kevin Willhite Cordova (CA) Lancers
1982 Robert Banks Hampton (VA) Crabbers
1983 Chris Spielman Massillon (OH) Tigers
1984 Ned Bolcar Phillipsburg (NJ) Stateliners
1985 Jeff George Warren Central (IN) Warriors
1986 Emmitt Smith Escambia (FL) Gators
1987 Todd Marinovich Capistrano Valley (CA) Cougars
1988 Alonzo Spellman Rancocas Valley (NJ) Red Devils
1989 Robert Smith Euclid (OH) Panthers
1990 Marquette Smith Lake Howell (FL) Silver Hawks
1991 Chris Walsh Ygnacio Valley (CA) Wolves
1992 Ron Powlus Berwick (PA) Bulldogs
1993 Lamont Green Miami Southridge (FL) Spartans
1994 Dan Kendra Bethlehem Catholic (PA) Golden Hawks
1995 Andy Katzenmoyer Westerville South (OH) Wildcats
1996 Grant Irons The Woodlands (TX) Highlanders
1997 Ronald Curry Hampton (VA) Crabbers
1998 Mike Doss McKinley (OH) Bulldogs
1999 D. J. Williams De La Salle (CA) Spartans
2000 Joe Mauer Cretin-Derham Hall (MN) Raiders
2001 Maurice Clarett Warren G. Harding (OH) Raiders
2002 Chris Leak Independence (NC) Patriots
2003 Ted Ginn Jr. Glenville (OH) Tarblooders
2004 Ryan Perrilloux East St. John (LA) Wildcats
2005 Brady Quinn Dublin Coffman (OH) Shamrocks
2006 Myron Rolle Hun (NJ) Raiders
2007 Jimmy Clausen Oaks Christian (CA) Lions
2008 Terrelle Pryor Jeannette (PA) Jayhawks
2009 Lamarcus Joyner St. Thomas Aquinas (FL) Raiders
2010 Malcom Brown Brenham (TX) Cubs
2011 Johnathan Gray Aledo (TX) Bearcats
2012 Max Browne Skyline (WA) Spartans
Vernon Hargreaves Wharton (FL) Wildcats
2013 Elijah Hood Charlotte Catholic (NC) Cougars
2014 Josh Rosen St. John Bosco (CA) Braves
2015 Jacob Eason Lake Stevens (WA) Vikings
2016 Alex Huston Glendale (MO) Falcons
2017 Zamir White Scotland (NC) Fighting Scots
2018 Ryan Hilinski Orange Lutheran (CA) Lancers
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James A. Rhodes Trophy

The James A. Rhodes Trophy was awarded annually to the Ohio High School player of the year. It was named for former Governor of Ohio James A. Rhodes, who was state auditor when he made the suggestion that led to the founding of the Touchdown Club of Columbus.

  • 1969 – Steve Mauger, Massillon
  • 1970 – Ted McNulty, Upper Arlington
  • 1971 – Rick Middleton, Delaware Hayes
  • 1972 – Archie Griffin, Eastmoor
  • 1973 – Mike Gayles, Cincinnati Princeton
  • 1974 – Ted Bell, Youngstown Mooney
  • 1975 – John Ziepler, Warren Harding
  • 1976 – Joe Portale, St Edward
  • 1977 – Tim Koegel, Cincinnati Moeller
  • 1978 – Art Schlichter, Miami Trace
  • 1979 – Ken Roundtree, Cincinnati Moeller
  • 1980 – Eric Ellington, Cincinnati Moeller
  • 1981 – Mark Brooks, Cincinnati Moeller
  • 1982 – Tony Grant, Fremont Ross
  • 1983 – Hiawatha Francisco, Cincinnati Moeller
  • 1984 – Chris Spielman, Massillon
  • 1985 – Mark Kamphous, Cincinnati Moeller
  • 1986 – Jeff Davidson, Westerville North
  • 1987 – Carlos Snow, Cincinnati Academy
  • 1988 – Ronald Howe, Zanesville
  • 1989 – Roger Harper, Columbus Independence
  • 1990 – Robert Smith, Euclid
  • 1991 – Korey Stringer, Warren Harding
  • 1992 – Mike Vrabel, Walsh Jesuit
  • 1993 – Dee Miller, Springfield
  • 1994 – Charles Woodson, Fremont Ross
  • 1995 – Andy Katzenmoyer, Westerville South
  • 1996 – Derek Combs, Grove City
  • 1997 – Tony Fisher, Euclid
  • 1998 – Mike Doss, Canton McKinley
  • 1999 – Brandon Childress, Cleveland Chanel
  • 2000 – Jeff Backes, Upper Arlington
  • 2000 – Maurice Hall, Columbus Brookhaven
  • 2001 – Justin Zwick, Massillon Washington
  • 2001 – Maurice Clarett, Warren Harding
  • 2002 – Donte Whitner, Cleveland Glenville
  • 2003 – Ted Ginn Jr., Cleveland Glenville
  • 2004 – Jamario O'Neal, Cleveland Glenville
  • 2005 – Chris Wells, Akron Garfield
  • 2006 – Brandon Saine, Piqua
  • 2007 – Jake Stoneburner, Dublin Coffman
  • 2008 – Zach Boren, Pickerington Central
  • 2009 – Braxton Miller, Huber Heights Wayne
  • 2010 – Braxton Miller, Huber Heights Wayne
  • 2011 – Maty Mauk, Kenton
  • 2012 – Mitch Trubisky, Mentor
  • 2013 – Grant Sherman, Kenton
  • 2014 – Joe Burrow, Athens
  • 2015
  • 2016 – Daniel Bangura, Harvest Prep
  • 2017 – Isaiah Bowser, Sidney
  • 2018 – Mark Waid, Girard

Male Athlete of the Year

Female Athlete of the Year

President's Award

  • 2011 – Jordan White, Western Michigan University
  • 2011 – Ross Franklin, Johnstown High School
  • 2012 – Zac Dysert, Miami University
  • 2013 – Ryan Switzer, North Carolina
  • 2013 – Cartel Brooks, Heidelberg College
  • 2014 – Cardale Jones, Ohio State University
  • 2015 – Kody Kasey, Georgetown College
  • 2016 – Joshua Dobbs, Tennessee
  • 2018 – Jeff Monken, Army West Point

TDC Lifetime Achievement Award

The Touchdown Club also gave the annual TDC Lifetime Achievement Award to a selected athlete.

  • 1991 – Olga Korbut, Olympic Gymnastics
  • 1992 – Nadia Comăneci, Olympic Gymnastics
  • 1993 – Evander Holyfield, Boxing
  • 1994 – Jerry Lucas, Basketball Hall of Fame
  • 1995 – Sparky Anderson, Baseball Hall of Fame
  • 1996 – Bobby Hull, Hockey Hall of Fame
  • 1997 – Jim Brown, Football Hall of Fame
  • 1998 – George Steinbrenner, New York Yankees
  • 1999
  • 2000 – Lamar Hunt, American Football League
  • 2001
  • 2002
  • 2003 – Hopalong Cassady, College Football Hall of Fame
  • 2004 – Joe Nuxhall, Baseball
  • 2005
  • 2006 – John Havlicek, Basketball Hall of Fame
  • 2006 – Bevo Francis, Basketball
  • 2007
  • 2008 – Chuck Ealey, Football
  • 2009 – Archie Griffin, College Football Hall of Fame
  • 2010 – Coach Chris Ault, College Football Hall of Fame
  • 2011 – Coach Chuck Kyle, Football
  • 2012 – Coach Tom Osborne, College Football Hall of Fame
  • 2013
  • 2014
  • 2015 – Coach Don Donoher, Football
  • 2016 – Peter Hanson, Ohio State volleyball
  • 2017 – Larry Kehres, Mount Union football
  • 2018 – Katie Smith, Naismith and Women's Basketball Halls of Fame

FCS Player of the Year

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See also

References

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