Hubbard’s Burdette, JM’s Phillips have ‘Hearts of a Champion’

March 13, 2015 at 12:06a.m.

CANFIELD

Area coaching legend John Kopp mentored thousands of players over a five-decade football career, noting that all great players usually received accolades and honors they were rightfully due.

It was the other players, he said, “who excelled on and off the field because of their courage, work ethic, sportsmanship and concern for others who often went unrecognized.”

On Thursday, the law firm of Betras, Kopp & Harshman, LLC honored Colin Burdette of Hubbard High School and Tyler Phillips of Jackson-Milton as this year’s “Coach John Kopp Heart of a Champion Award” football honorees.

Each school, courtesy of the firm, received a $2,500 check in the name of their honoree for its athletic fund.

Burdette, a sophomore who played both soccer and football for the Eagles, was severely injured in an ATV accident last September which forced him to miss 28 days of school.

He played in just a handful of soccer games while showing the courage to fight his injuries in order to return for the Eagles’ final regular season and playoff games in football.

“It truly is amazing to think of the support out there and about those who are looking over me,” Burdette said. “I’m so appreciative of this award, but really didn’t know anything about it so I had to have our athletic director, Chuck Montgomery, explain it to me. When I was called out of class, I originally thought I was in trouble.”

Hubbard football coach Brian Hoffman and soccer coach Cory Reinard agree Burdette’s attitude is contagious.

“Colin was an inspiration to everyone as he remained optimistic throughout this entire ordeal,” Hoffman said. “For him to dress at the end of the year is a testimony to him and his doctors.”

Reinard is looking forward to Burdette’s return in the fall. He was a center-back for the Eagles.

“Colin has a great personality and it shows in both sports. He has a tremendous work ethic and we’re eyeing his return,” Reinard said. “We missed him and we’re all glad that he got through this.”

Phillips spearheaded fundraising efforts that raised thousands of dollars in order for the family of two teammates to help rebuild their home that had burned down. His efforts came as no surprise to those that know the junior offensive lineman.

“Tyler is a great kid all around and has been raised the right way. This young man has always stood up for his friends,” Bluejays football coach Mark Assion said. “He’s an asset to both our school and our community and it comes as no shock at what he was able to do. His huge heart is what led him to this award.”

The award was a complete surprise to Phillips.

“They pulled me out of class to tell me I would be receiving this award and I just started sweating. I called my mom to tell her and she just started yelling over the phone, she was so happy,’ Phillips said. “I just want to thank everyone who voted for me, especially those from my community.”

Kopp’s coaching resume lists stops at Ursuline, Chaney, Woodrow Wilson, Cardinal Mooney and Austintown Fitch.