It’s been true since the sons of steelworkers began playing high school football in the smoky shadows of the mills while farm kids scrimmaged on gridirons framed by fields of corn:

 

The winners aren’t always the biggest, fastest, or most talented players—but they are always the ones with the biggest hearts.

 

To honor them, Betras, Kopp and Harshman created the Coach John Kopp Heart of a Champion Award.

 

The BKH Heart of a Champion Award gives fans the opportunity to express their appreciation for the players who fight for victory no matter the odds or obstacles. The players who never quit. The players who leave everything they have on the field game after game, week after week, season after season.

 

The players who possess the Heart of a Champion.

 

After every high school football game fans will have the opportunity to vote for the players who demonstrated extraordinary courage and determination that week. The Heart of a Champion Award will be presented to the players with the highest vote total from among student athletes  who competed in OSHAA Divisions I, II, and III and those from schools in Divisions IV, V, VI, and VII.

 

Betras, Kopp & Harshman will present HOC winners with a custom designed trophy commemorating their selection. Their school will receive a plaque noting their accomplishment along with a $2,500 stipend for use by the athletic department.

 

The Betras, Kopp and Harshman Coach John Kopp Heart of a Champion Award: Built on the strengths that made our Valley great honoring the great student athletes who will lead us into the future.