Afton's Kaleb Mackey Named Runner-Up For Rudy Award

Afton senior Kaleb Mackey was named a national runner-up for the annual Rudy Award, given to high school athletes who have overcome adversity to inspire their teammates.

The runner-up prize, which comes with a $2,500 academic scholarship, was awarded by the Inspireum Football Awards foundation, celebrates athletes with inspirational stories, in the spirit of Notre Dame player Rudy Ruettiger. Mackey was one of four runners-up, including Quinton Anderson of Joplin, Missouri, who lost both parents and suffered severe leg injuries during the devastating tornadoes.

Mackey, who was highlighted earlier this season when he was named a finalist, was born with cerebral palsy, and has limited use of the left side of his body. In spite of setbacks and injuries, the senior never let his spirits get down and was a big part of the Eagles' eight-win season.

The winners and runners up are selected by a national panel of former athletes, broadcasters, coaches and fans, including Troy Aikman, Drew Bledsoe, Shaun Alexander, Jim Mora, Sr. and Teddy Bruschi.