The winner will be announced this week.
One of Plant City’s own football heroes, Braxton Plunk, has been named one of five finalists for the 2023 Gagliardi Trophy presented by Stearns Bank. The award, named after the late John Gagliardi (St. John’s Hall of Fame football coach), which was first awarded in 1993, recognizes excellence in athletics, academics and community service.
Plunk, a quarterback who played football at Strawberry Crest High (freshman and sophomore years) and Plant City High (junior and senior years), was quarterback at University of Mount Union Purple Raiders. Although he graduated in May with a degree in marketing, Plunk was able to play for the Purple Raiders this season following the NCAA’s decision that granted seniors an extra year of eligibility due to COVID.
The season ended when his team lost to the No. 13 Alma Scots in the NCAA Championship Second Round on Sat., Nov. 25. The final score was a close 24 to 20.
Now back in Plant City, Plunk is reflective about his time at Mount Union. “I met some great people, made some great friends and was coached by some great coaches,” he said.
While going out early in the playoffs was a tough outcome, being named a finalist for the award is a silver lining. “To even be mentioned with a great like John Gagliardi is very humbling,” he said.
He’s no stranger to recognition for his abilities on the field. His senior year of high school, he won the Guy Toph Award, given to the Hillsborough County football player who displays great athletic and academic ability, leadership and character. A back-to-back finalist for the Gagliardi Trophy, Plunk was voted the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) Bob Packard Offensive Back of the Year and All-OAC First Team in four-straight years.
Plunk led the OAC in passing yards (3,006), to go along with 33 touchdowns. He also broke the NCAA Division III record for career passing yards with 14,599.
Even though he is being recognized for his personal contributions, Plunk is quick to point out that one person doesn’t make a team. “Playing a sport like football take everyone on the field,” he said. “You can’t do it by yourself, you need other people to help you out because you’re all in it together.”
His passion for football runs so deep that his future plans include playing football or coaching others. “My future definitely includes something with football,” he said. “I was fortunate enough to learn from some great people and I’d like to keep learning and share that with others.”
Three quarterbacks, a wide receiver and a linebacker make up the five finalists, who were announced during a live show on Dec. 7 on D3football.com. The 2023 Gagliardi Trophy winner will be revealed on d3football.com during the week of the NCAA Division III national championship on the evening of Dec. 15.
