At halftime of Sunday’s Western Final at McMahon Stadium, the Calgary Stampeder Football Club will recognize the three recipients of the 2016 Stan Schwartz – Heart of a Champion Awards.

This year’s winners are local high school senior football players who were nominated by their respective coaches and members of their school’s faculty. Contributions to their team off the field as well as their school and community, in addition to athletic and personal perseverance, are the criteria for this prestigious award.

The following players have been selected for their outstanding achievements:

Division I: Javen Kaechele, Crescent Heights High School

Division II: George Gagnon, St. Mary’s High School

Division III: Fischer Phillips, Western Canada High School

Stampeders executive vice-president Stan Schwartz will be on-field during the halftime ceremony to present each student-athlete with a personalized plaque and a commemorative trophy for their school to display.

Here is more information on the 2016 trio:

Javen Kaechele – Crescent Heights High School

• Named the starting quarterback and team captain for the Cowboys
• Played receiver last season and in Grade 10 was the MVP of the junior team
• Achieved honour-roll status in Grade 10 and Grade 11
• Assumed a lead role in his school’s track and field food drive for the homeless and assists individuals struggling with addiction
• Hopes to continue his playing career at the University of Calgary where he intends to study communications

George Gagnon – St. Mary’s High School

• Lines up at centre and long snapper and is a two-year team captain for the Saints
• Was named to U18 Team Alberta in 2015 and played in the Canada Cup
• Currently maintains a 92-per cent academic average while enrolled in international baccalaureate courses and has also played multiple sports at the high school level
• Voted student council president this year, serves as a public speaker at multiple school functions and has been a peer consultant
• Plans to attend the University of Calgary and will suit up for the Dinos this upcoming fall

Fischer Phillips – Western Canada High School

• Promoted to starting running back for the Redhawks and was nominated as a team captain
• Began playing football in Grade 10 but has already enjoyed tremendous success and impressed with his talent, work ethic and perseverance
• Academically driven student who regularly mentors his younger teammates with confidence and leadership skills
• Contributes to school fundraisers for breast cancer research as well as Redhawks athletics and is a key organizer for his school’s career fair
• Aspires to play football for the University of Calgary Dinos and study either kinesiology or psychology