Mark Vincent Pelini Foundation to honor Center of Excellence Award

Mark Vincent Pelini, a former Cardinal Mooney High School and University of Nebraska Center, exemplified discipline, courage, faith, and integrity. A leader on and off the field, Mark's legacy continues to inspire through the initiatives of the Mark Vincent Pelini Foundation. 

In honor of his life and values, the foundation is proud to introduce the MVP Center of Excellence Award, which recognizes an exceptional Senior Offensive Lineman (Center) from Mahoning, Trumbull, Columbiana, Summit, and Stark Counties. The award celebrates individuals who excel in athletics, academics, and community service—upholding the leadership, courage, compassion, and integrity that defined Mark Pelini. 

As a teammate, he was a leader, a challenger, a fierce competitor and a friend. As a son of God, he was spiritual, fair, kind and inquisitive. As a son and brother, he was loyal and loving and invested.  

In paying homage to Mark’s legacy, the Mark Vincent Pelini Foundation is proud to add the MVP Center of Excellence Award to its list of initiatives in line with their mission to impact the community and the youth of tomorrow in Mark’s name. 

The MVP Center of Excellence Award will be presented to an outstanding Mahoning, Trumbull, Columbiana, Summit and Stark County Senior Offensive Lineman (Center) who excels on the field, in the classroom and in the community. He should be a leader. He should have courage and compassion, faith and integrity. He should excel on the field, in the classroom in the community. 

2024 MVP Center of Excellence Finalists 

Each high school coach in every classification was invited to nominate one Senior Center. The 12 Center of Excellence finalists were nominated by their head coaches and considered by a selection committee The Selection Committee includes Bo Pelini, Michael Zordich, Alex Zordich, Donald D’Alesio, Zach Larson, Tom Velasquez, Tim Marlowe, Nico Mancuso. 

• Dalton Johnson, East Palestine (Head Coach: Michael Demster) 

• Mikey Eckman, Salem (Head Coach: Ron Johnson) 

• Hayden Martin, West Branch (Head Coach: Tim Cooper) 

• Weston Little, Sandy Valley (Head Coach: Brian Gamble) 

• Andrew Brian, South Range (Head Coach: Dave Rach) 

• Teigan Essig, Jackson (Head Coach: Jay Rohr) 

• Nolan McKendry, Green (Head Coach: Mark Geis) 

• Ethan Laslo, JFK Catholic (Head Coach: Damon Buente) 

• Nate Cross, Archbishop Hoban (Head Coach: Tim Tyrell) 

• Matthew DeSciscio, Walsh Jesuit (Head Coach: Nick Alexander) 

• Jymier Burrage, Valley Christian (Head Coach: Andrew Hake) 

• Deandre Campbell, Buchtel (Head Coach Bryan: Williams) 

Award Breakfast Details 

The Center of Excellence Award winner will be revealed at the MVP Center of Excellence Award breakfast on December 14, 2024.  

Presenting Sponsor: Zabel’s Restaurant Equipment and Supplies 

Date: Saturday December 14, 2024 

Location: St. Luke Roman Catholic Parish 

5225 South Avenue, Youngstown, Ohio 

Time: 11:00am-1:30pm 

Master of Ceremonies: DJ Yokley 

Guest Speaker: Bo Pelini 

Benefiting the Mark Vincent Pelini Foundation 

Enjoy a breakfast honoring 12 COE Finalists and the Center Of Excellence Trophy Presentation 

Business Attire 

Tickets & Sponsorship Opportunities 

Tickets for the breakfast are available at www.markvincentpelinifoundation.org/coe-page. Both individual tickets and full tables are available for purchase. Sponsorship opportunities are also encouraged to support this meaningful initiative. 

About the Mark Vincent Pelini Foundation 

The Mark Vincent Pelini Foundation was established to honor the life and values of Mark Pelini by fostering programs and initiatives that support youth development, education, and community engagement. Visit www.markvincentpelinifoundation.org to learn more.