In a special Ernie Davis Award nomination event on Saturday at Arnot Mall, four of Chemung County’s best football players were honoured.
Noah Bennett of Edison, Tyler Richards of Notre Dame, Tyler Marks of Elmira, and Riley Loomis of Horseheads were all nominated by their coaches for their efforts on and off the field that represent Ernie Davis’ attributes.
The Spartans’ Noah Bennett served as captain twice. He carried for 604 yards and six touchdowns on 89 carries on offence. Bennett had 103 tackles and three interceptions on defence to lead the club. Bennett volunteered for the Challenger Little League programme when he was not playing baseball. He was ecstatic to receive such an honour.
“It means everything,” Bennett said of being nominated. “It feels fantastic to have been nominated for this. I would want to give a shout-out to the other three gentlemen as well. It is the most incredible sensation imaginable.”
At Horseheads, Riley Loomis played running back and free safety. He was the Blue Raiders’ captain and ran for 1,169 yards and 12 touchdowns on 181 carries. He had 59 tackles and one interception as a defensive back. Loomis is a member of the Honor Roll and has been recognised as a Scholar Athlete in both the football and baseball seasons. Loomis said being nominated was an honour, and he will miss his time on the football field with his teammates.
It was a lot of fun this year bonding with the squad, hanging out, practising every day, and messing about,” Loomis remarked. “We all put in a lot of effort with a group of students, and that was a unique group during my four years with everyone. It was enjoyable to get to know everyone and to put in long hours each day.”
Tyler Marks has played varsity football for Elmira for four years, three of which he has started. Due to an injury, he only appeared in five games this season, but he carried for 298 yards and four touchdowns on 68 runs. Despite his injury, Marks remained captain and led the Express to the Section IV Class AA Championship game. He also helps out at Elmira’s yearly Youth Sports Camps, where he helps out with both football and basketball. Although playing for the same high school as Ernie Davis adds a layer of pressure, Marks says Davis’ work ethic keeps him motivated.
Marks explained, “It carries a lot of weight.” “It establishes a benchmark for all of us to strive to, in some way, play for him. It simply cheers us up when we are down, and it is an honour to be a part of it.”
Tyler Richards spent his time at Notre Dame as a wide receiver, offensive guard, defensive end, defensive tackle, and linebacker. He plays football, basketball, and baseball, and is a three-sport athlete. Richards has served as the Notre Dame Class President for the past three years and volunteers at the Southport Recreation Center and the Tanglewood and Neighborhood Transformation Center, among other places. According to him,
Richards remarked, “It is an honour to be out here representing my school and my team, and to be able to exemplify all that Ernie Davis was.” “His character, his on-field and off-field performances, and how he was as a person.”
The award recipient will be announced during the Kiwanis Luncheon on December 16th.
