WEST ORANGE, Nj — On Sunday morning, Feb. 25, West Orange High School and the UNICO motivational foundation hosted their 44th annual sports breakfast to honor the “unsung heroes” of Essex County’s finest high school student athletes. The WOHS recipients for the award were senior Thomas Hughes of the varsity football team, and senior Jillian McCauley of the varsity girls soccer team.

“Winning this award means so much to me,” said Hughes. “To know that the athletic director, principal, and my coach look upon me at such high regard is very warming.”

“The award goes to an individual football player with the most letters in different sports and highest GPA combination,” said WOHS football coach Jim Matsakis. “It was a very easy decision because Thomas was the only 3-sport football player and had the second highest GPA on the team.”

Following the ceremony, college football legend Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger was called to the stage. Ruettiger was a student at Notre Dame University who went against his family’s expectations and chose to play football rather than work in an oil refinery. He would then only make one play in his whole career, but it would become one of the most memorable plays in sports history as he sacked the opposing team’s quarterback in the last 27 seconds of the game. Since then, Ruettiger has served as a motivational speaker for students and athletes.

Ruettiger spoke to the audience about his upbringing, how he got accepted to Notre Dame, and why he does what he does today. “It’s not about football, it’s about not quitting,” said Ruettiger during his speech. “Dreams will come true when you know what to do.”

The ceremony concluded with a 50/50 raffle for numerous sports memorabilia.

For more information on UNICO, visit their website.