VERONA — Sullivan West’s standout senior running back Rally Cruz was recognized by the New York State High School Football Coaches Association (NYSHSFCA) this weekend. For his hard work in both the classroom and on the field, the NYSHSFCA awarded Cruz with the Class D 8-Man Scholar Athlete of the Year Award.

The annual weekend conference provides coaches a chance to mingle and attend seminars at the Turning Stone resort in Verona, and they hold a banquet during the weekend to honor award recipients from throughout New York State.

The award letter stated, “Your hard work and dedication to the great game of football and in the classroom has earned you the respect and admiration of your peers, athletes, community and family. Your time and effort on and off the football field does not go unnoticed.”

In his senior season, Rally was a veritable highlight reel, accruing 931 across eight games for an average of 116.4 yards as well as seven touchdowns. Cruz and the Bulldogs hoisted the Section IX 8-Man trophy after defeating Pawling 32-20 back in November.

“We are extremely proud of Rally and all of his accomplishments, none more so than being named the NYS Class D Scholar Athlete of the Year,” said Asst. Coach Justin Diehl. “As a program, we emphasize excellence on and off the field. Rally has embodied that excellence throughout his career here at Sullivan West and has been a perfect example of what we expect from our student-athletes. His work ethic and character are unmatched, and I couldn’t think of a more deserving person for this award.”