Union Christian's Todd Wins Burlsworth Award

When Bob Hattabaugh accepted the football job at Union Christian, he met Andrew Todd in the weight room. Three years later Todd is still pumping iron, even though he played his last UCA football game six months ago. "He still comes each morning at 15 minutes until seven," Hattabaugh said. "He's been working to prepare for the district weight meet and the all-star game. That game isn't until June, but he has been preparing for it all winter. He is solid muscle, and he has gotten where he has by working for three years." It's that dedication that prompted Hattabaugh to nominate Todd for the Brandon Burlsworth Award. Coaches from every prep team in the state nominated a player that exemplifies the traits of Burlsworth, the former University of Arkansas walkon-turned-all-American lineman who was killed in a car accident in 1999. In late March, Todd discovered he won the award. "Coach Houston Nutt said Brandon was one of those guys that every coach wants to have on his team and everybody wants as a friend," Todd said. "Brandon put everything he had, not only into football, but life. "I didn't start the season expecting to win such an award. I went out there and I tried as hard as I could in the weight room, in practice and in games. I tried to play every play like it was my last. I gave everything I had, and I am reaping the rewards of that attitude." Todd, who is 5-foot-9, 180 pounds, earned all-state honors starting at guard and on the defensive line. Giving up 50 or more pounds to opponents wasn't uncommon, but Todd used his strength (330-pound bench press and 230-pound power clean) to pave the way for Eagles ball carriers and plug holes. "He made all of our calls on the offensive line and made a lot of tackles. He was a valuable player for us," Hattabaugh said. Todd started both ways for three years and earned 4-2A Outstanding Lineman honors last fall. Todd also managed to excel off the field. The 4.0 student served as Student Council Vice President, was a member of FBLA and the National Honor Society, competed in Quiz Bowl and earned the Eagle Scout award. He also works part-time at a local grocery store. "It can be stressful at times," said Todd, who also reads the UCA daily morning announcements. "You have to good time management and determination. It's all what you want to do and the hard work you put into being successful. I see myself as a leader, and I want to be in influential positions and lead. I keep my priorities straight, lead wisely and stay focused. I don't sit back and goof off and relax until all of my work is done." Todd's successful high school career is ticking away. He's already accepted a full-ride academic scholarship at Arkansas State and plans to major in accounting. However, his football career won't officially end until he plays in the Arkansas High School Coaches Association All-Star Game June 26 at Reynolds Razorback Stadium. "Everyone up there is going to know I'm a Union Christian player," Todd said. "I'm going to represent the school and the entire state as the best of the best. I want to be in the best shape. That's why I've been working out. That way everyone up there will know that at Union Christian we are hard-working and hard-hitting, and they may not want to play us because they might get whipped." It's fitting Todd finishes his high school experience with another prestigious honor. With a résumé filled with accolades Todd will always remember his Burlsworth Award and continue to lives his life "The Burls Way." "The Burlsworth Award is definitely up near the top," Todd said. "The Eagle Scout is near the top, too. The Burlsworth Award is special because it not only measures your performance on the field, but community service and academic work. I'm not really old enough to remember Brandon, but I've heard several stories about his hard work on the field and in the community. To be mentioned with someone like that is a huge honor."