In addition to senior night, the Smyer Bobcats had a special presentation last Thursday when Gavin St. Clair was honored with the Dave Campbell Football Unsung Hero Award.
The award, sponsored by Texas Farm Bureau and presented to St. Clair by Hockley County Farm Bureau Office Manager Trey Thompson, is bestowed on only five high school athletes each year who “represent their team, school, family and community in a way that sets them apart.”
It includes a $500 scholarship to the college of the awardee’s choice.
St. Clair was nominated by Smyer Head Football Coach Scott Funke last spring.
Funke said St. Clair has been one of the top three tacklers on the team each year in spite of having no ligaments in his knees.
“Doctors discovered he had no ligaments in his knees when he got hurt in the eighth grade,” said Funke. “He was born without them.”
“Gavin has had to be tough his entire high school career,” Funke continued. “It’s awesome to see him get the recognition he has earned.
As a result, St. Clair has to have his knees scoped after each season.
In addition to sports, St. Clair is currently first in his class and plans to study biochemistry at Yale or “one of the Ivys (Ivy League Schools)” next season.
He said receiving the award was “awesome.” “I feel privileged,” he added, saying, “I hope it inspires others.”