Dec. 5, 1999

CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. - Boston College linebacker Frank Chamberlin was named the winner of the annual Varsity Club Trophy, The Thomas F. Scanlan Award, at the 61st annual Scanlan Awards Banquet Sunday on the BC campus. Considered BC football's highest honor, the award is presented annually to the senior football player who best exemplifies the ideals of Tom Scanlan '20, one of the most beloved football alumni of Boston College Ð scholar, athlete, gentlemen, friend and ambassador of goodwill for Boston College.

In addition, Chamberlin received the William J. Flynn Award, presented annually to the team's most valuable player, as selected by his teammates.

Chamberlin, a 6-1, 250-pound senior from Mahwah, N.J., received second-team All-BIG EAST honors this past week after a breakout year in which he led the Eagles in tackles (126). He led the Eagles in their 24-23 victory over Syracuse with a career-high 25 tackles (15 solos), 3 TFLs, 1.5 sacks and a 26-yard interception return. He was named the Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week, USA Today College Football Player of the Week, and BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts.

In addition to the Scanlan Award, other awards announced Sunday included:

Unsung Hero Award, for unheralded achievement and outstanding performance recognized by teammates and coaches, infrequently the "Big-Play" person but always a steady performer, making plays with fundamental football skills, and a person whose leadership is found in his steady play day in and day out: Bryan Arndt.

Coaches' Award, for the player who exemplifies the coaching staff's attitude toward the game, a performer whose style of play reflects what has been taught and sometimes what simply cannot be taught, a person with great football instincts: Chris Hovan.

Paul Cavanagh Award, for the player whose collective on and off field accomplishment speak volumes about his commitment to balance, a level-headed and realistic outlook on life, with wholesome perspective on volunteerism, ethics and the community, a football player whose accomplishments on the field distinguish him as an achiever and as a contributor in many ways: Butch Palaza.

Scout Team Award, recognizing the player(s) who day-in and day-out walks onto the field to play the game, this player makes the most of his God-given abilities, he has a healthy attitude and is a leader: Pat Kneib.

Special Teams Award, recognizing outstanding play on the special teams, this player has great football instincts, speed, and a nose for the ball, he possesses the capability of turning a game around: Adam Newman.

William J. Flynn Award, the team's most valuable player, as voted by his teammates: Frank Chamberlin.

Jay McGillis Scholarship Award, presented to a defensive back to best exemplifies the personal qualities of team dedication and leadership by example, an extraordinary spirit, and personal concern for family, friends and teammates: Pedro Cirino.

Touchdown Club Award, awarded for outstanding contributions as the team's marquis player: Chris Hovan.