RUMFORD — Ryan Glover, the inspirational leader of the Mountain Valley High School football team, was nominated for the 2011 Rudy Awards.

The $25,000 scholarships are awarded annually to high school football players throughout the United States.

The Rudy Awards celebrate outstanding young athletes, not because of their statistical performance, but for their ability to inspire teammates, classmates, families and communities. The program honors players who demonstrate the exemplary values of former Notre Dame football player Daniel ‘Rudy’ Ruettiger, the inspirational figure of the classic football film Rudy.

Glover, a 5-foot-11, 220-pound senior tri-captain for the Falcons, is one of three players nominated from Maine. The others are Scarborough teammates Logan Mars and Harry Milner.

Nationwide, there are approximately one thousand nominees.

“It’s quite an honor,” Glover said. “Especially, when there is just three nominated from our entire state.”

Glover is a two-way starter at right guard and middle linebacker whose tenacity is unequaled. It begins with devastating blocks on the offensive line. Defensively, Glover has earned a reputation for his hard hits.

“Ryan is a great player,” Mountain Valley coach Jim Aylward said. “He is tough as nails, fundamentally solid player, and Ryan is our leader. He has a great respect for the game and his teammates.”

The top 50 semifinalists will be announced Nov. 1, and the 12 scholarship winners will be chosen by the selection committee and announced by Dec. 11.

The National Selection Committee includes former professional football players, administrators and journalists. The chairman is former New England Patriots quarterback Drew Bledsoe.

On the website, Bledsoe wrote, “there are inspirational stories in football at every level, but nothing matches the purity of heart and desire of a high school athlete determined to overcome all obstacles. High school athletes, and especially the ones considered for the Rudy Awards, are motivated by something far deeper. They strive to prove to themselves and their teammates that there is no injury too severe, no setback too big and no circumstance too difficult to overcome.  Hats off to these individuals!  They remind us of all that is right with athletics.”

The awards celebrate hundreds of football players nationwide who display great character, courage, contribution and commitment. Players are nominated by coaches, parents and teammates for this prestigious award.

Glover earned all-Campbell Conference and All-State honors on the Falcons unbeaten 2010 Class B state championship team.

The multi-talented Glover is currently averaging 14 tackles per game. He is the long snapper, a holder, has kicked extra points and ran the ball from the fullback position.

“Playing defense is great,” Glover said. “Especially middle linebacker. It’s my favorite position because I’m all over the field hitting people and in on a lot of tackles.”