the
foundation
What started as a life well-lived turned into a football award and grew from there. The Austin Sherwood Foundation was founded by Brian Yelton and Jeff Sherwood with the intent of taking the immense impact Austin left behind and extending it's reach to others. Whether you have lost someone to drunk driving, would like to support CCHS football, have ties to the military, knew Austin personally, or just want to be a part of celebrating an unforgettable person, the foundation supports and appreciates you.
Please take a moment to read about Austin and the original CCHS Football award and it's mission. Be sure to check out our newly designed clothing options and other ways you can support the foundation. Keep an eye out for future events and get-togethers as soon as COVID allows. Thank you!
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about
austin
A word from Jeff Sherwood, Austin’s father
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Austin Patrick Sherwood was born February 21, 1992 in Bridgeport, CT. He was delivered by cesarean section. The doctor warned his parents that babies delivered this way emerge lethargic and not to be alarmed. Well, not Austin. He came out kicking and screaming.
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For the next 25 years, he would continue to kick and scream. He would laugh, love, smile, hug and (under the Friday night lights) sack a few quarterbacks.
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Austin grew into a fine young man. One friend observed, “That Austin walked into a crowded room and by the time he left, he knew everyone.” He was the greatest friend, son, brother, nephew, uncle and teammate. He would listen to friends’ and strangers’ problems. He began to learn sign language so he could better communicate with a deaf family in the neighborhood. That was Austin.
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Austin was an altar boy, Boy Scout, and successful saxophone player. Austin also played defensive tackle on a State Championship football team and was a decorated Marine Corps Veteran. Austin was deployed to the Persian Gulf where he served with the HMLA-269 “Gunrunners.” He was an Air Crew Chief and a Door Gunner on a Huey Helicopter.
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On the night of June 23, 2017 on his way to his second job, Austin was hit on his motorcycle by a drunk and distracted driver. He died the next day as a result of his injuries. He had just completed his second year at Colorado State University where he was pursuing his dream studying for a degree in Fermentation Science. The outpouring of love for him literally meant the world. Twenty-six marines showed up for his funeral.
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Now, if someone is near you or in the next room, go give them a hug. That is what Austin would do.
Our Mission
+ cchs
sherwood
award
Each year, the Austin Sherwood Lineman award is awarded to one Central Catholic Football lineman. This player has shown that they put team and brotherhood before himself.
This player may not be the most decorated or the best player on the team, be he will always give it his all and do everything to the best of his abilities. These are qualities that Austin possessed and are being passed down through the program, extending his legacy.
Do what it takes to win and succeed.
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Our goal is to present a $500 scholarship to the awarded player each year going forward.
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Our mission is to not only keep this scholarship going but to expand upon it. We wish to build on the morals stated above and grow this beyond football.
DONATE
Donate via PayPal by using our button below:
Our foundation is a registered charitable organization registered with the Internal Revenue Service and the State of Illinois.
It is an exempt organization as described in section 501.c.3 of the IRS Code and all donations are tax deductible.
All proceeds go directly towards the foundation.
We appreciate your consideration!