KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Staley High School quarterback Trent Hosick is a finalist for the Wendy’s High School Heisman Trophy. The signal caller had a great year, but his biggest accomplishment may be getting back on the football field after a wreck nearly claimed his life in 2007.
“The wreck changed a few things about the way I value life,” Hosick said. “It definitely made me value life a little bit more. Football is just a game, and it’s good to keep that in perspective. The reason I play football is so that I can use those influences to have a positive effect in kids’ lives around the country.”
Staley assistant football coach Josh Hood said Hosick’s influence goes well beyond the grid-iron.
“He is an advocate for doing things right, and his leadership ability in the classroom, on the football field, on the wrestling mat, he’s been an inspiration to a lot of kids in this area,” Hood said.
Related: YouTube video of Hosick and friends showing that planking is out and “The Heisman is in
The list includes 4.0 honor roll, academic first-team all-state, state wrestling champion and Fellowship of Christian Athletes leader. Pretty good for a guy who was bed ridden for a couple of weeks and still can’t feel parts of his chin.
His coach is in awe.
“What he’s done in life itself would be a remarkable story,” Hood said, “but what he has does in light of his accident, he’s an inspiration to us all.”
His pigskin prowess is pretty good, as well. Hosick amassed 2,700 combined yards and 32 touchdowns this season. But to Trent, those numbers are only a vehicle for his voice.
“If I end up doing it tonight, that is fine,” he said. “I’m just glad my parents got a chance to come to New York, and I get to experience these wonderful things with my family and to bring honor to so many other people.”
The award winner will be announced Friday night and the ceremony will be aired Sunday, December 16 at 1 p.m. on ESPN2.
