Local nonprofit could receive $50K if Trine coach wins award

Local nonprofit could receive $50K if Trine coach wins award

 

One lucky Steuben County nonprofit could receive a $50,000 gift in January if Trine University Head Football Coach Matt Land is named the national 2010 Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year in January.

People can vote for Land to receive the award online at www.coachoftheyear.com through Dec. 28. The number of fan votes will be figured into final evaluations before the winning coaches are announced Jan. 10. The more votes he receives, the better his chances of winning and a local charity getting a five-figure boost.

This week, Liberty Mutual named Land one of five top Division III finalists for the award, the leading college football-coaching honor which celebrates coaches for their sportsmanship, integrity, responsibility and excellence and for giving back to their teams, schools and communities, on and off field.

If Land wins, Trine University will receive a $20,000 grant for its alumni association, and Land will have the opportunity to give $50,000 to the charity of his choice. If he wins, he plans to give the money to a Steuben County nonprofit, but he’s not saying which one.

“We’re really involved in the local community,” Land said. “From my players really getting out there and volunteering, I can see there’s a lot of need in our county.”

Land strongly encourages his players to serve others. His players do everything from help people rake leaves to work with children learning how to read.

“Community service is priceless,” Land said. “There’s nothing we can do as coaches that can replace or replicate that experience. When you give your time to the needs of others, you become unselfish. I want unselfish people playing for me — it makes for a better offense, a better defense and a better community.”