LEXINGTON, Ky. – – Kentucky offensive line coach John Schlarman has been named the first nominee of the season for the 2018 Orange Bowl Courage Award, it was announced Tuesday by the Football Writers Association of America. The award is annually given to a player, coach or support person in college football who displays courage, on or off the field.
Schlarman, a Kentucky alum in his sixth season in his current term as an assistant coach, has remained on the sideline and practice field daily despite battling cancer that requires long sessions of chemotherapy. He was given a game ball after the Wildcats’ 27-16 win at Florida on Saturday night that ended a 31-year losing streak to the Gators, in part for the job the offensive line and tight ends did in paving the way for 303 rushing yards.