Gaines Adams Named Rotary Lombardi Award Semifinalist

Oct. 18, 2006

HOUSTON, TX – Clemson defensive end Gaines Adams is one of 12 semifinalists for the Rotary Lombardi Award. Adams leads the ACC in sacks with 7.5 and is a major reason the Tigers are ranked 12th in the nation in the latest AP, USA Today, Harris and BCS Polls. The Tigers play Georgia Tech on Saturday in an ESPN 7:45 PM contest.

A pair of returnees highlight the list of 12 college football standouts named as semifinalists for the 37th Rotary Lombardi Award, presented by Wachovia Bank. This year’s dinner, which benefits the American Cancer Society, will be held on December 6 at the Hilton Americas Hotel in Downtown Houston.

Linebacker Paul Posluszny (Puz-LUZ-knee) of Penn State and offensive tackle Joe Thomas of Wisconsin were each semifinalists in 2005. They are joined by linebackers Buster Davis of Florida State and Patrick Willis of Mississippi; offensive tackles Justin Blalock of Texas and Dan Mozes of West Virginia; defensive ends Gaines Adams of Clemson, Mkristo Bruce (M-kristo) of Washington State, Quentin Moses of Georgia, Brian Smith of Missouri, and LaMarr Woodley of Michigan; and defensive tackle Quinn Pitock of Ohio State. All 12 players are playing their senior seasons for their respective schools.

This year’s Rotary Lombardi Award is being presented by Wachovia Bank, which is in the second year of a two-year presentation sponsorship agreement with the Rotary Club of Houston Foundation to support the event and its fund raising component. Tables and individual tickets are now on sale through the Rotary Club of Houston office (713) 973-9936.

The Rotary Club of Houston, in operation since 1912, is an association of more than 300 successful business professionals, all prominent in their individual fields of endeavor, who volunteer their efforts through the work of some two dozen club committees. Assistance is provided to such diverse groups as troubled youngsters, former prison inmates, business oriented high school students, families of cancer patients, deserving college scholarship candidates and the nation’s cancer research efforts. The Rotary Club of Houston is leading a neighborhood initiative to benefit Houston’s East End. Through collaboration with major corporate, civic and philanthropic partners, including many Houston area Rotary Clubs, Rotary activities will respond to identified community needs in the areas of public health, education, vocational training and micro-enterprises.

All media inquiries regarding the Rotary Lombardi Award, presented by Wachovia Bank should be directed to Dave Fanucchi by email at dfanucchi@sbcglobal.net or by calling (281) 881-2433. Media inquiries regarding other activities of the Rotary Club of Houston should contact Ken Scott at (713) 973-9936.