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Chamberlain QB Aycock Among Award Winners

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By NICK WILLIAMS

nwilliams@tampatrib.com

Published: January 16, 2009

TAMPA - The graduating class of 2009 is expected to be remembered as one of the most talented groups in the history of Hillsborough County high school football.

This year's group of seniors included state champions, All-Americans and record holders, all of whom were rated among the top prospects in the nation. The athlete named the county's top senior would certainly value the recognition.

Thursday, Chamberlain High senior quarterback Dontae Aycock received that honor, being selected the 2008 Guy Toph Award recipient at the Hillsborough County public schools 2008-09 fall sports awards ceremony.

The Guy Toph Award is given annually to the county's top senior football player based on a series of criteria that includes academics and good citizenship.

Aycock, a 5-foot-10 dual-threat quarterback, led the Chiefs to an 11-2 record, a district championship and Class 5A region final appearance while leading the county in rushing yards and scoring.

"It's special," Aycock said. "Just hearing the guys who won in previous years makes it more special."

Aycock passed for 1,491 yards and 17 touchdowns and rushed for 1,406 yards with 28 touchdowns. He also has a 3.1 unweighted grade-point average and has more than 30 college scholarships offers, which include Georgia Tech and Illinois.

He's the ninth Chamberlain player to win the award.

"He's a good role model for any kid looking to be a scholar-athlete," Chamberlain coach Billy Turner said. "Since he's been at Chamberlain, he's never had a teacher say he's acted up, not even just a little bit."

Aycock, who turned 17 in October, said he plans to announce his college decision Feb. 4, the annual National Signing Day. The four-star recruit said he will visit Georgia Tech this weekend, followed by a trip to the University of Illinois.

Armwood High senior defensive end Ryne Giddins, a consensus four-star recruit who recently committed to the University of South Florida, was given the Jim "Jimbo" Kynes Outstanding Lineman Award.

Plant High senior outside hitter Danielle Erb was given the Kirkwood Family Volleyball Award. Erb, who is headed to James Madison University, led nationally ranked Plant to its third consecutive Class 5A state title.

Jesuit High senior Connor Revord and Newsome High senior Rebecca Webster were the recipients of the Ben Walker Award for cross country runners of the year.

Seniors Shena Yang of Wharton and Kyle Martin of Plant City received the Casey Most Valuable Golfer Awards.

Seniors Conor Swanson of Sickles and Meg Anderson of Plant received the Jessie Helfrich Hicks Awards for outstanding swimmers.

Reporter Nick Williams can be reached at (813) 259-7851.

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