CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Austin Peay head football coach Scotty Walden and linebacker Sam Howard have been nominated for the 2023 Good Works Team for the work they’ve done throughout the Clarksville community, according to an APSU Athletics news release.
The Good Works Team recognizes players and coaches who go the extra mile for their communities, as well as academic dedication.
Walden and Howard were nominated by a panel made up of former members of the Good Works Team, journalists, current head coaches and former head coaches.
Those on the panel include sport figures such as Tim Tebow, who was a member of the 2009 team, and ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit, according to a news release.
Volunteer efforts
When Walden and Howard aren’t focusing on football, they’re being proactive in serving the Clarksville-Montgomery County community.
Their involvement in the Burt Elementary School’s Mentoring Program is one way they’ve both given back. During the 2022-23 school year, the two helped teachers in the classroom, while serving as mentors for students. Their involvement doesn’t stop there, however.
Walden has also volunteered for nonprofit organizations such as Loaves and Fishes, Habitat for Humanity and Operation Honor. Austin Peay Athletics previously hosted an Operation Honor event at Fortera Stadium.
The Austin Peay head football coach was only one of 20 coaches nominated for the national honor.
As for Howard, he’s also volunteered his time to serve Loaves and Fishes, Habitat for Humanity, as well as Austin Peay’s Plant the Campus Red program. Howard helped manage track and field events as West Creek High School too.
The senior linebacker was one of 135 student-athletes nominated for the recognition, and one of 62 student-athletes at the FCS level, according to the news release.
What’s next
The Good Works Team roster will be announced in September, and 23 student-athletes will be award recipients.
According to APSU Athletics, this includes “11 players from the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision; 11 players from the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision, Divisions II, III, and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA); and one honorary head coach.”
After the roster has been finalized, fans can vote for the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team captain, which can be done through the official page on ESPN.com.
“These players embody the best of what college football stands for: character, selflessness and the willingness to serve and give to others,” AFCA Executive Director Todd Berry said in a news release. “The AFCA proudly stands alongside Allstate and each of these players’ families and communities to applaud their inspirational work.”