OAKWOOD -- Tony Lotti has already earned plenty of recognition for sparking a turnaround for West Hall football. <br />
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On Monday, the coach discovered that his coaching plaudits are going nationwide.<br />
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Lotti, in his third season at West Hall, was honored by the College Football Hall of Fame and Dove Men+Care Deodorant as its "Caring Coach of the Year."<br />
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University of Georgia and Chicago Bears legend, and College Hall of Fame member Kevin Butler announced to an assembly at the school on Monday that Lotti was one of three coaches across the nation to earn the award.<br />
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Selected from a group of 800 coaches, Lotti best met the criteria for the award, which measures five characteristics (according to the Dove web site):<br />
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-- Passion: Deeply rooted dedication to the sport and the success of their players.<br />
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-- Character: Keeps games irritation-free by teaching the benefits of good sportsmanship, above and beyond winning.<br />
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-- Detemination: Never gives up on a game or their team and pushes them to play with heart.<br />
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-- Respect: Boosts morale by treating their players with dignity and by teaching them to do the same.<br />
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-- Encouragement: Inspires their players to do the right thing, and instills trust and confidence in them.<br />
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Lotti will be honored by the College Hall of Fame in a special ceremony on Dec. 19. Lotti was nominated by West Hall teacher Rita Crocker. Lotti will be featured in a brief video about his award recognition at the College Hall of Fame in Atlanta; he will also be featured in the upcoming annual "Sportsman of the Year" issue of Sports Illustrated.<br />
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Lotti's work on the field has also had quite an impact, as he led the Spartans to their first ever region championship this season and their highest win total since 2002, going 9-2. West Hall's season ended last week in the first round of the state playoffs.
West Hall football coach Tony Lotti talks with his team after winning the Region 7-AAA championship earlier this season. / photo: Sharon Haney
Tony Lotti is honored on Monday night at West Hall.
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