DEERFIELD TOWNSHIP — Eric McCall is not forgotten here, nine years after he graduated from Kings High School and two years after his death. And now, memories of the gritty, dedicated youth will live on with an award in his honor.

        In a Thursday ceremony at Columbia Elementary School, the first Eric McCall Trophy was awarded to Kings senior Shane Davis, 18, an honors student and football wide receiver.

        Head football coach Andy Olds and Eric's mother Gail created the award to honor outstanding football players who show determination and dedication.

        The 1993 Kings graduate and heart transplant recipient died at age 25 in May 2000. Eric, a Kings linebacker, received the transplant in 1991 at age 16 after he was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy.

        Eric later resumed his football career as a varsity kicker. He went on to study at Miami University, and then went on to work at the Library of Congress.

        “He embraced everything with a great sense of humor, was quick-witted and took everything full force,” said Julia Kurtz, former Kings High School librarian.

        “I want these kids leaving this assembly wishing they could have met this guy and hoping to be like him someday,” said Mr. Olds, assistant coach at the time Eric played.

        “It's a living legend.”

        More than 600 fifth- and sixth-graders gathered at the Columbia event, during which Mrs. McCall received her son's old jersey, No. 9.

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