Jake Zimmermann Receives The Kevin Collis Award
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- Name: Jake Zimmermann
- School or league: Caldwells Athletic Club and JCHS
- Award: The Kevin Collis Award
It has been a little over 18 years since this community tragically lost a young man named Kevin Collis. Kevin was a senior student-athlete at James Caldwell High School class of 1993. He was on his way home from a Jr. Chief’s football game at Fairfield’s Hollywood Park when he was involved in a car accident. Kevin succumbed to his injuries six weeks later.
The Caldwells Athletic Club, as well as JCHS, honor a player each year with The Kevin Collis Award. A summation of his character and the inscription engraved on the CAC plaque given to an eighth grader is, “The Kevin Collis award presented to…an athlete who exemplifies a Junior Chief with Hard Work, Positive Attitude, Dedication to the Game and Service to His Friends and Community”.
On Jan. 14, the Jr. Chiefs held their annual A-Team Football & Cheerleading Dinner and presented The Kevin Collis Award to Jake Zimmermann, an eighth grader at Grover Cleveland Middle School. Jake was awarded the honor by his coaches, Danny Roselle, Joe Galioto, Joe Dolce, Mike Docteroff and Steve Puzzo.
Congratulations Jake. Thank you for carrying on the honorable standards that made Kevin such a memorable person. Anyone who knew Kevin is reminded what a special young man he was and for those, like myself, who did not know him get insight into his character each year through the recipient of this award.
– Mike Valenti
kathy collis
7:33 pm on Saturday, February 12, 2011
As Kevin's Mom, my heart is filled with gladness (and my eyes with tears) to realize that Kevin's wonderful , indominatble spirit lives on. Thank you for the wonderful article and congratulations to Jake. Kevin would be proud. Thanks again. Kathy Collis
Brian Collis
8:18 am on Monday, February 14, 2011
As Kevin's big brother (ok I was older, but he dwarfed me) I too am filled with joy that his name and his legacy are still a blessing to those outside our immediate family.
Thank you to all who still make that happen.
Paul Donnelly
9:51 am on Monday, February 14, 2011
Kevin was a friend and teammate of mine. No one showed more heart, guts determination, or loyalty. I knew him since Harrison School, and played football with him in High School. Kevin always left the field with the dirtiest uniform. He wasn't the biggest, or the fastest, but few were as fearless or could hit as hard. It is hard to believe it's been so long. I am sure I speak for all his friends and teammates when I say we think about him often and still feel a loss. He is truly missed, but his spirit lives on.
Paul Donnelly
JCHS Class of 1993
Brian Collis
11:24 am on Monday, February 14, 2011
Paul, I can't tell you how happy you just made me. I am SO thrilled that his teammates remember him in the same way his family does.
Lonie Kragelund
2:03 am on Thursday, February 17, 2011
I am Kevin's cousin through marriage and was not blessed with knowing him. He had passed by the time I was blessed with marrying into his family. I have heard the horribly sad story of his passing before but never really got a feel for who he was until reading this article and all of the comments. I am now sitting here with tears in my eyes and my heart aches for the loss. What an awesome thing this award is for his family and friends, and the wonderful young students earning it.
~Lonie Kragelund