Sylacauga, AL – The Lutzie 43 Foundation awarded men's soccer midfielder
Ryan Shields (Standish, Wigan, England / Standish Community) the 2018 PFL Character Scholarship at the 2018 Lutzie 43 Golf Invitational on Thursday, May 10.
The PFL Character Scholarship helps carry out the mission of the
43 Lessons to Legacy curriculum. Manhattan College student-athletes received a lesson plan and attended a presentation of the curriculum from Mike Lutzenkirchen, the executive director of the Lutzie 43 Foundation, back on September 18, 2017.
"I want to say thank you to everyone involved and associated with the Lutzie Foundation," mentioned Shields. "When I attended the presentation last year, I was really humbled and taken aback by Mike's words. His passion and commitment to the cause reiterated with why I work hard and got involved with sports."
The award, which is worth $4,300, is a national achievement that helps equip outstanding young people with the tools and lessons that a student-athlete needs to leave a lasting and profound legacy through mentor development, education and scholarship.
"Ryan has been on a tremendous journey since he arrived almost 4 years ago," mentioned Head Coach
Jorden Scott. "He battled injuries early but stayed mentally strong, never gave up, and was determined to come back stronger and have an impact on our program and our history. This award is evidence of the type of student-athlete Ryan is and we are proud to have him represent such a great Foundation and reflect many of the traits Philip Lutzenkirchen demonstrates in his legacy."
The Lutzie 43 Foundation developed the
43 Lessons to Legacy curriculum in memory of Philip Lutzenkirchen, Mike's son and a former tight end on the Auburn University football team. The program assists in carrying out Philip's legacy by focusing on character development and decision-making in the lives of young people and their influencers.