Carroll Senior Matthew Pauk was recognized as one of only six high school football players in the state of Iowa to receive the 2016 Ed Thomas Award during the CHS Seniors Awards Ceremony Wednesday night. The Iowa Football Coaches Association selects players in each class who embody three standards Thomas prioritized during his coaching career: faith, family and football. CHS Football Coach Dennis McCarten, who was on hand for the announcement of the class 3-A award recipient, encouraged the athlete to apply.
Pauk is also a high academic performer carrying a 4.0 and who scored above a 30 on his ACTs. He’s also a two time All-District Performer, an All-State running back, and is the leading rusher for one season in all of Carroll High’s history. McCarten, who knew Ed Thomas personally prior to the Aplington-Parkersburg Coach’s murder in 2009, says the recognition for his player is priceless.
True to form, Pauk had just a few words to say.
Pauk will be featured in the Iowa Hall of Pride and receive a commemorative plaque during half-time at the Iowa Shrine Bowl on July 23. Five local athletes will also be participating as players in the game at the UNI Dome in Cedar Falls and include: Cameron Wernimont of East Sac County, Rylan Richardson of South Central Calhoun, Christopher Brown of Glidden-Ralston, Martin Olsen of Exira-EHK, and Brett Snyder of Carroll.
