BOB GNOZA AWARD

Bob Gnoza was the former Commissioner of the Cape Ann Youth Football League and served more than 20 years as a coach, board member, and President of Masconomet Youth Football. Bob was one of the most progressive CAYFL Commissioners in the league’s history, actively looking to expand the league and advocating various rule changes to improve competition and safety. He was well respected by coaches and officials throughout the league, and loved by the hundreds of youth players he coached throughout his career. In 2008, he received the highest honor of any coach in league history as he was named Massachusetts Youth Coach of the Year by the Massachusetts High School Football Coaches Association.

Bob passed away in July, 2014 at the age of 63, but his legacy lives on in the Cape Ann Youth Football League. To honor his spirit and commitment to youth sports, the CAYFL is proud to present the Bob Gnoza Award annually to a deserving 8th grade player who best exemplifies the principles Bob stood for – dedication, courage, discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

Each year, one 8th grader will be nominated by each CAYFL program. The head coach of the A (or JVA) team should submit a short bio of the nominated player and discuss his qualifications for the award considering:

* Leadership qualities.
* Teamwork and team spirit.
* Dealing with adversity.
* Respect and sportsmanship.
* Dedication and commitment to team.
* Academics and citizenship.
* Other admirable qualities.

All nominees will be reviewed and voted upon by the Commissioners and head coaches of each program (one vote each and must be for a nominee from another town). The winner will be announced at the annual CAYFL All Star Banquet.

2024 Gnoza Nominees

North Andover

* 2024 Winner************

Cole Kierce

If you coach youth football long enough, you’ve seen someone resembling him. People use phrases like “tough as nails”, “heart of a lion”, and “size of the fight in the dog”. The amazing thing is that you’re describing the smallest player on the team. You will also recall saying a phrase like, “If I could put THAT kid into the body of so-and-so, OMG he’d be a high school All-Star and destined for college football!”

When he wasn’t selected by the A team, his parent told me he was devastated and wanted to know what he could do to get better! THAT’S an insight into his attitude. Instead of playing with his 8^th grade classmates, he would spend 13 weeks with 7^th grade strangers. Sulking? Attitude problem? Those are not in his DNA. I selected him for my team because I saw IT. At the first team practice, each of my coaches asked me “how the heck did the A team not select HIM?” We all knew the answer was he’s 4 ½ feet tall and under 80 pounds and that will hold him back.

We named him as our starting Inside Linebacker. He won’t be mistaken for Ray Lewis or Dick Butkus but you will see a common thread of all-out competitiveness. At our week 2 scrimmage against Andover, I jokingly commented that we will definitely have the smallest Linebacker in the league. He looked so out of place, then I watched him take down a 6 foot plus receiver giving up 18 inches and 70 pounds.

Lastly, what’s he like as a person? He’s one of the first to arrive, one of the few that asks every practice which pads to get from the shed, and always putting them away at the end. You’ve probably seen it before when some of the “stars” can’t be bothered to help. His core goodness, attitude, and constant smile has converted 30+ 7^th graders into being a fan of him. Fifteen years of doing this, I’ve seen similar, but none quite like Cole Kierce, North Andover’s nominee to represent the Bob Gnoza award.

Danvers

Evan Goldberg

It is with great pleasure, Danvers Youth Football nominates Evan Goldberg for the Gnoza Award. Evan first joined our team for the 6th grade season in 2022. I was ecstatic to add such a high caliber athlete, but at the same time was shocked that he was giving up Soccer. Over prior years, I had both coached Evan and coached against Evan in Baseball and Soccer. I was always blown away by his ability to play both games, but particularly the game of soccer. I was extremely excited to see what he could bring to the football field, and what he brought was well beyond anyones expectations.

Evan took to the game of football quite well and accelerated early. From his very first days with us he took to the coaching and bought into the process, never getting discouraged or down on himself and constantly asking for another opportunity when he made mistakes. He quickly became one of our primary players and go to guys, excelling in the Full Back role and playing Defensive End. It is no doubt his athleticism helped him to grasp the game so quickly, but it was his work ethic and commitment to his team and his craft that got him over the hurdles. Evan is truly the definition of a humble athlete and a person who leads by example through hard work, dedication and the drive to win. In writing this nomination, I am reminded of one night at practice while we were working on a defensive scheme for our upcoming game. We had decided to use Evan in a way that would potentially take away our opponents top receiver, who is an extremely dangerous threat. All night in practice Evan had been struggling to stay with the person we were using as a “scout receiver”. I went over to Evan and our Defensive Coordinator and impressed upon them that we only had 45 minutes left to figure this out and maybe we should try a different approach. Before anyone could say anything else, Evan looked me right in the eye and said “Can I try one more time coach, just one more time and if I get it wrong we can try something else.” I was so impressed at how he was responding to the challenge that I had no choice other than to let him try. After that, Evan just flicked a switch, like only he can and executed everything from that moment forward to perfection. For the remainder of that practice, our scout receiver did not catch another pass, nor did our opponents top receiver that Sunday afternoon allowing us to secure a much needed 19-6 win. Evan’s natural athletic ability and his character make him someone who is truly tough to compete with, both on and off the field.

Evan is not only a great athlete, but a leader as well. Evan is a quiet leader, but a strong one at that. When Evan speaks, it always has meaning and has impact on his teammates. His dedication to himself and his team go beyond what any coach could ask of a player. He is always there to pickup teammates after a tough play or congratulate them for a great one. He is never jealous of anyone’s success and truly understands how to use failure and adversity as motivation. When Evan was just 9 years old, he lost his father, Tim Goldberg. The loss of Tim was obviously a massive blow to his family and broke the communities heart. Tim was a loving husband and father and just an all around great person. While I know Evan struggled with this loss, he never let it impact him in school or sports and it did not change who he was. He remains to this day the same humble, respectful young man I had come to know. His resilience through such a difficult time, at such a young age was moving in a way I cannot put into words. Evan has every reason to be boastful yet he is unassuming, every reason to be arrogant yet he is humble, every reason to get caught up in the pain of what he lost, yet he is stoic. My admiration for Evan goes well beyond anything I could write in this nomination and I cannot express enough how deserving he is of an award of this nature. It is very refreshing to see a young athlete who dominates across multiple sports as Evan does, have his type of sportsmanship and humility. It truly brings new meaning to the old saying, “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” It has been a privilege for me to get to know Evan over these last 3 seasons and having had the opportunity guide him through what I hope is just the beginning of his football journey. I could not nominate a more deserving individual, Evan is truly a tremendous person, a tremendous athlete and he has tremendous potential.

Pentucket

Anderson Miller

Its with great pleasure that Pentucket Youth Football and Cheer nominate Anderson Miller for the 2024 Gnoza Award.

This is Anderson’s second season in the program and his progression is an example of what youth sports are all about. He is the definition of a team player who continues to elevate not only his play on the field, but also how he conducts himself off the field.

During the first week of the season Anderson broke his wrist crushing his hopes of playing again that season. Rather than sitting back and just waiting for another opportunity the next year Anderson showed up to every practice to work out and condition. He would take no contact reps and would always participate in every drill he could.

Anderson has now developed into this versatile athlete who competes at the highest level. His dedication last year motivated all kids to apply maximum effort and to never stop competing. This is all done with an exceptional work ethic and positive attitude.

Off the field Anderson is an outstanding student and extremely involved in his community. He was awarded the Community Awareness Award from SNHU for an invention that would use a laser to tell if a truck was too tall to cross one of the local bridges. He received Honors/High Honors for the entire 7^th Grade school year. He has recently been elected as the West Newbury Ambassador for Project 351, which is a state program that builds leadership and community awareness skills.

Anderson’s resilience is remarkable. 6 Years ago, Anderson tragically lost his father and continued his pursuit to be a leader, great friend and an active participant in his community.

Understanding what the Gnoza Award stood for we felt that there was one clear cut choice for this nomination and Anderson Miller is the player we feel represents what the Gnoza Award stands for.

Gloucester

Enoch “Nox” Etienne

In the realm of youth football, the emphasis on character, teamwork, and dedication cannot be overstated. Nox epitomizes these qualities and has become a vital asset to his team both on and off the field.

Nox’s passion for the sport, coupled with his unwavering commitment to personal growth, has distinguished him from his peers. His resilience in the face of challenges, along with his ability to elevate team dynamics, makes him an exemplary athlete. His influence as a role model is profound; he consistently leads by example and motivates his teammates to strive for excellence.

This award transcends mere statistics or scoring; it recognizes the intangible qualities that define exceptional athletes. Nox’s dedication is evident in his relentless attendance at practices, regardless of external conditions, and his countless hours of effort invested in skill development. His enthusiasm for the game manifests through every sprint, pass, and tackle, contributing significantly to the team’s cohesive spirit and tenacity.

Nox manages his ADHD/ADD effectively through sports and fitness, finding athletic activity to be a critical tool that aids his focus in academic settings. His increased physical engagement has even allowed him to adjust his medication requirements. Although football poses unique challenges for him, particularly in mastering plays due to his attention difficulties, his perseverance remains unwavering. Beginning his football journey in kindergarten with flag football, he has continuously participated through various age divisions in the Gloucester Youth Football program.

Since the fall of 2020, Nox has been actively involved with the Gloucester Boxing Youth Program. Transitioning from boxing for fitness to competitive training in November 2022, he achieved his amateur boxing license within the same year, with a record of 3 wins, 0 losses, and 1 medical forfeit. Notably, on April 29, 2023, coinciding with his 13th birthday, he won “The King of the Ring” title, and he plans to return to competitive training following the football season in December.

Despite his personal successes in boxing, Nox’s true passion lies in football. He thrives in the team environment and eagerly anticipates each football season, regardless of the team’s performance. He is a pivotal motivator and leader, arriving first to every practice and maintaining perfect attendance over the past three years, even while sidelined due to injury.

Nox has greatly benefited from the mentorship of his coaches, making the impending end of this season bittersweet. We believe Enoch “Nox” Etienne is a deserving candidate for the Gnoza Award and appreciate your consideration of this remarkable athlete. Thank you.

North Reading

Gino Auciello

It is with great pride that I nominate Gino Auciello, an exceptional North Reading football player, for the Gonza Award. Gino is not only a standout athlete but also a true leader who embodies the core values of dedication, teamwork, and integrity—values that define the spirit of this award.

Gino’s commitment to his team is unparalleled. Always ready to play and eager to support his teammates, he brings an infectious energy and focus to every game and practice. He is the first to show up, the last to leave, and never hesitates to lend a hand or provide guidance to those around him. His knowledge of every play and position shows his strategic insight and deep understanding of the game, elevating the performance of the entire team.

What truly sets Gino apart is his unwavering dedication. Since his earliest days in youth football, Gino has never missed a single practice, reflecting his passion, consistency, and drive for excellence. His commitment goes beyond just the field; Gino is a role model whose actions inspire those around him, contributing not only to the team’s success but to its unity and positive spirit.

Gino Auciello is a remarkable young man whose presence has been integral to the success and camaraderie of North Reading football. He represents everything that the Gonza Award stands for, and I am confident he will continue to make a lasting impact on and off the field.

Thank you for considering Gino Auciello for this esteemed honor.

Hamilton Wenham

Jackson Chin-Aleong

It is with great honor that we, the Hamilton-Wenham coaching staff, nominate Jackson Chin-Aleong for the 2024 CAYFL Bob Gnoza Award. Jackson embodies the dedication, courage, and team spirit that Bob Gnoza valued deeply. He has shown us all what it means to not just play football but to grow through it.

When Jackson joined our team three years ago, he had limited understanding of the game, not even knowing the basics of offense and defense. Initially, he struggled to find motivation and playing time, often having difficulty making it to practice every day. However, he persevered through these challenges, gradually getting in shape and learning the sport. Through his determination and hard work, Jackson transformed from a backup defensive lineman to a key player, now starting on both offense and defense and rarely leaving the field. His commitment is evident as he attends every practice, even cheering from the sidelines on crutches during an ankle injury, studying plays, and staying engaged every step of the way.

Witnessing Jackson’s growth has been remarkable. He came to us as a quiet, reserved boy and has evolved into a confident, inspiring leader for his teammates. He is beloved by his peers and respected throughout our program. Beyond the field, Jackson supports his teammates and has shown extraordinary resilience in his personal life, particularly in helping his mother through her battle with cancer.

Recently, Jackson’s mother, Trina, shared a letter that beautifully captures his journey. She described how, three years ago, she encouraged him to join a team sport to help him connect with others. Jackson faced significant challenges in school because of his ADHD, which often left him feeling misunderstood and isolated from his peers. Football changed everything for him. Initially hesitant, he joined the team in sixth grade. By seventh grade, he no longer needed encouragement; he loved the team, and they embraced him. Football gave him a sense of belonging and a group of peers who supported him.

This season, Jackson has truly come into his own. Other parents have remarked on how he serves as a role model for their children, and younger players look up to him as a leader who fosters inclusivity within the team. Jackson exemplifies true sportsmanship and resilience, and it has been an honor to be part of his journey.

In nominating Jackson for the Bob Gnoza Award, we honor not only his achievements on the field but also his courage, heart, and unwavering dedication to his team and family. He has overcome challenges, found his place, and grown into a leader that Bob Gnoza would have been proud to know. Thank you, Jackson, for inspiring all of us. We are incredibly proud of you.

Lynnfield

Sean DiBlasi

It is with great pride that the Lynnfield A Team coaching staff and players nominate Sean DiBlasi for the 2024 Bob Gnoza award. We can’t think of anyone who more strongly exemplifies the principles for which this award is based on: dedication, courage, discipline, teamwork and sportsmanship.

Sean plays both ways for the 2024 A team as an offensive guard and defensive tackle. His dedication, courage and discipline have led Sean into those roles. He is easily outsized by most of his peers playing in those positions, but his desire to win on every play of every game (and every practice) more than makes up for it.

This is the 4^th season of tackle football for Sean and each season he has improved his skills and knowledge of the game. Prior to this season, Sean has never been a starter in a game let alone a 2-way starter. In fact, he played significantly less than a lot of other kids. Despite his limited playing time on Sundays, Sean came to every practice, worked harder than most other kids and had fun while doing so. He is the ultimate “yes, coach” player and will do anything he is asked to do.

On game days, if Sean isn’t on the field, he can be found cheering on his teammates and genuinely caring about their success and the team’s overall success. This season, Sean has not only earned the respect of his coaches, but also his peers. The fact that he earned 3 votes from his teammates to represent Lynnfield as a Cape Ann Football League all-star is yet another example of his perseverance and determination.

Off the field, Sean is a great son, brother, friend and student. The coaches of the Lynnfield A Team along with his teammates, believe that he truly embodies the spirit of the Bob Gnoza award.

Amesbury

Dillon Edic

Dillion Edic has never been the biggest player on the football field. Actually, he’s usually one of the smallest. But what he lacks in size he more than makes up for with heart, smarts, and toughness.

Pound for pound he’s the toughest player on the field. He never shies away from a hit and he’ll sacrifice his body to make a play to make a block or attempt a tackle.

He played the first three weeks of the season with an injured wrist before eventually learning it was broken. He then proceeded to play the remainder of the season with a cast on his arm.

We knew we could rely on Dillion to play any position needed to help the team. He played QB, RB, and WR and he not only knew all his assignments but would often help his teammates with their positions and assignments after the huddle broke

Dillion didn’t just earn the respect of his coaches, but also his teammates. He was voted team captain and led his team admirably all season.

And he really demonstrated his selfless leadership before our fourth game of the season. He asked us coaches to allow a teammate to take his spot at the coin toss so that his teammate could lead us against his former team! No one asked him to do that. He just knew how much it would mean to his teammate.

We couldn’t be more proud of Dillion and proud to nominate him for the Bob Gnoza award.

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Gnoza Award