Honorees

The Tradition

Matt Hobby was known by all to be tough and determined both on the field playing for the Hounds and off the field in his personal fight against cancer. Since Matt’s passing, each year the Pope senior football players and coaches select a teammate that best exemplifies Matt’s qualities, making it truly an honor to receive the #70 jersey.

In all my years since high school, playing college football and coaching all over the country, my proudest football accomplishment is getting voted to wear #70 my senior year.” – 2006 Honoree Matt Hanshaw

2022 Recipient

2022 Honoree Patrick Burns

The 2022 honoree is #70 Patrick Burns. Here’s a little about Patrick:

Favorite Food

Steak

Favorite Song

Something in the Orange by Zach Bryan

NFL Player you admire

Hunter Renfrow. He came into college as an undersized walk on and worked his way up to being a pro bowl receiver.

How long have you played pope football?

I started playing in 8th grade, so this is my 5th year.

What is your favorite Pope football memory?

Beating Kell last year.

Favorite Teacher

Probably Coach Johnson. I’ve had him all 4 years and I appreciate how he really cares about us and pushes us to work hard in the weightroom every single day.

What are your plans for next year?

Hopefully to go to college and have the opportunity to further my education.

What will you miss most about Pope football?

Definitely my teammates. They’re all like my brothers and I’ll really miss them when I go off to college.

What does it mean to wear #70?

It’s a huge honor. I’ve always looked up to and admired the winners in the past, so it means a lot knowing that my teammates and coaches chose me to carry on Matt’s legacy by wearing #70.

Past Recipients

  • Three former Matt Hobby honorees

    2021 – Brian Baumann

  • 2020 – Connor Patterson
  • 2019 – Will Mitchell
  • 2018 – Cody Olszewski
  • 2017 – Ryan Inskip
  • 2016 – Logan Otsby
  • 2015 – Austin Nielsen
  • 2014 – Ben Cottingham
  • 2013 – Quintin Bange
  • 2012 – Cody Amon
  • 2011 – Zach Hanshaw
  • 2010 – Trevor Buhr
  • 2009 – Rylan Leary
  • 2008 – Garrett Schoppman
  • 2007 – Geddy Wilson
  • 2006 – Matt Hanshaw