 The two 11-man teams, an NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision team and a
combined team from the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision,
Divisions II and III, and the NAIA, honor players for their
dedication and commitment to community service. The AFCA has been
selecting the Good Works Team since 1997. From 1992 to 1996, the
Good Works Team was chosen by the College Football Association. When
the CFA disbanded in 1997, the AFCA began selecting the teams."It
never ceases to amaze me to see the contributions student-athletes
make to their communities," said Grant Teaff, AFCA executive
director. "Oftentimes, these young men are better known for the good
things they do on the field. The AFCA is proud to recognize these
student-athletes for the good things they do in their communities."
Drone, one of 16 players from the FCS level on the 2007 Walter
Payton Award watch list, promoted and participated in the American
Red Cross blood drive for the past three years. He has also been
involved with the Harvest of Hope food drive during his time at
Illinois State, helping to collect canned goods and nonperishable
food items.
"When you're an athlete, you are given so much, and there are so
many people to help you along the way; the least you can do is give
back to the community and help them out," Drone said. "As much as
they support us, again, the least we can do is go out and help them
any way that we can."
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The Mount Carmel native also helped raise $200,000 in the
Bloomington-Normal community for victims of Hurricane Katrina. He is
actively involved in the Boys and Girls Club. Drone has also spent
time in Juarez, Mexico, building houses for underprivileged families
and has provided service at the Dilkon Navajo Indian Reservation in
Arizona.
"One of the neat things about this business is that you get to
associate yourself with some outstanding young people, and Luke
Drone is certainly one of those guys," head coach Denver Johnson
said. "We have a lot of good kids on our team, and I think that Luke
will accept this award as a representation of all the good people on
our football team."
Nominations were submitted to the AFCA by the college sports
information departments. Nominees have to be actively involved and
committed to working with a charitable organization, service group
or other community service activities. Candidates have to display
sincere concern and reliability, while also having made a favorable
impression on the organizations with which they are involved.
Athletic ability is not among the criteria.
[Text from file received from Todd Kober,
assistant athletics director, media relations,
Illinois
State University]
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