Hochheimer Receives Black Lion Award

Aquinas senior, Casey Hochheimer, was presented with the 2017-2018 Black Lion Award at a brief presentation held at Aquinas on Monday, April 23.

While the Black Lion Award is given to a football player, it is not awarded for athletic ability or athletic accomplishments – it is awarded to those who exemplify the character of Don Holleder, “leadership, courage, devotion to duty, self-sacrifice, and above all, an unselfish concern for the team ahead of himself."

The national award bears great significance to Aquinas as it is given in memory of Major Don Holleder, an Aquinas alumnus of the Class of 1952, and former West Point All-American who died in combat in Vietnam on October 17, 1967. The award also commemorates the men of the Black Lions – the 28th Infantry Regiment – who died with Holleder that day.

Every high school, middle school and youth football team in America is eligible to participate in the Black Lion Award program. Coaches choose one player at the end of the season who fits the award criteria and submit a letter of nomination explaining how that player exemplifies Don Holleder’s character.

Aquinas head football coach, Derek Annechino, described Hochheimer as the epitome of what an Aquinas student athlete should be. "His dedication to his academics, personal growth in and out of the classroom, teammates and coaches are second to none," he said. "His willingness to sacrifice personal accomplishments to enhance team accomplishments, proves he is deserving of this award."

After the presentation Casey said, “I’m really proud, especially when I think of all my other teammates who could have been selected for this – it feels great.” Casey, a three-season athlete, will play Division I lacrosse at Hobart next year.

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