The University of Akron Athletics
Akron’s John Lako Nominated for 2019 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team
July 16 | Football
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2019 Season Tickets
NORTHBROOK, Ill. – University of Akron senior linebacker John Lako (Monroe, Mich.) has been nominated for the 2019 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team ®.
The annual award is given to college football players for the impact they make off the field. A total of 137 student-athletes with inspiring stories of community service were nominated by their respective sports information directors.
Established in 1992, the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® continues to be one of the most coveted community service awards in college football. From the 137 nominees, the final roster of 23 award recipients will be announced in September, bringing together 11 players from the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision;11 players from the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision, Divisions II, III and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA); and one honorary head coach. To be considered for a spot on the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®, each player must be actively involved with a charitable organization or service group while maintaining a strong academic standing.
"It's truly inspiring to see these young men dedicating their time and energy outside of their already busy schedules to leave a lasting impact in their communities," said John O'Donnell, Allstate's Western Territory president and member of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team selection committee "As a longtime college football sponsor, Allstate takes great pride in our partnership with the AFCA, and we are honored to celebrate the successes of these players and highlight their stories as an inspiration to all who love the sport."
Lako, a 2019 preseason first-team All-MAC selection by Athlon Sports and Phil Steele, was the Zips' leading defender in 2018 with 126 tackles, 10.0 TFL for a loss of 27 yards, three hurries, a fumble recovery, and a hurry. A 2018 third-team All-MAC pick, the former walk-on moved into a starting role last fall. Named a MAC Scholar-Athlete and an Academic All-MAC honoree, Lako also earned Dean's List recognition. He earned a bachelor's degree in human resources management in May 2019 and is currently pursuing a master's degree. Lako's community service activities include the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, Haven of Rest, Akron's Children's Hospital, The Well CDC, and Saint Nick's Club.
"To be named to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team is no small feat and goes above and beyond sportsmanship and leadership in the classroom or on the field," said Tim Tebow, two-time national champion, Heisman Trophy winner and 2009 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® member. "These student-athletes believe in the power of giving back and enriching the lives of others, while also helping to shape the lives of future young athletes. Each year, I am struck by the caliber of these nominees and humbled to be a part of telling their stories."
The final 22-member team and honorary coach is selected by a voting panel consisting of former Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® members and prominent media members who look for both their dedication to giving back and the embodiment of true leadership on and off the football field.
After the final team members are announced on September 12, 2019, fans can vote for this year's Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® captain through the official page on ESPN.com. Fans are also encouraged to join in the conversation by searching and using #GoodWorksTeam on their social media channels throughout the season.
Under first-year head coach Tom Arth, Akron returns 51 letterwinners. UA opens the 2019 season at Illinois on August 31. The home opener is slated for Sept. 7 against UAB.
Season ticket plans—which include a ticket to all six home games as well as a parking pass– can be purchased now by calling or texting 888-99-AKRON (25766) or visiting The C.P. and Cornelia S. Chima Athletics Ticket Office at InfoCision Stadium-Summa Field (located at 375 E. Exchange Street, near Gate 1 at the southwest corner of the venue, at the corner of E. Exchange and S. Union streets) during business hours (Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
Group tickets start at $10 each (with a minimum of 15 people).
About the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®
The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® was established in 1992 by the College Football Association, recognizing the extra efforts made by college football players and student support staff off the field. AFCA became the governing body of the award in 1997 and continues to honor college football players who go the extra mile for those in need. Allstate worked to present the award starting with the 2008 season.
About the AFCA
The AFCA was founded in 1922 and currently has more than 11,000 members around the world ranging from the high school level to the professional ranks. According to its constitution, the AFCA was formed, in part, to "maintain the highest possible standards in football and in the coaching profession" and to "provide a forum for the discussion and study of all matters pertaining to football."
2019 Season Tickets
NORTHBROOK, Ill. – University of Akron senior linebacker John Lako (Monroe, Mich.) has been nominated for the 2019 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team ®.
The annual award is given to college football players for the impact they make off the field. A total of 137 student-athletes with inspiring stories of community service were nominated by their respective sports information directors.
Established in 1992, the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® continues to be one of the most coveted community service awards in college football. From the 137 nominees, the final roster of 23 award recipients will be announced in September, bringing together 11 players from the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision;11 players from the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision, Divisions II, III and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA); and one honorary head coach. To be considered for a spot on the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®, each player must be actively involved with a charitable organization or service group while maintaining a strong academic standing.
"It's truly inspiring to see these young men dedicating their time and energy outside of their already busy schedules to leave a lasting impact in their communities," said John O'Donnell, Allstate's Western Territory president and member of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team selection committee "As a longtime college football sponsor, Allstate takes great pride in our partnership with the AFCA, and we are honored to celebrate the successes of these players and highlight their stories as an inspiration to all who love the sport."
Lako, a 2019 preseason first-team All-MAC selection by Athlon Sports and Phil Steele, was the Zips' leading defender in 2018 with 126 tackles, 10.0 TFL for a loss of 27 yards, three hurries, a fumble recovery, and a hurry. A 2018 third-team All-MAC pick, the former walk-on moved into a starting role last fall. Named a MAC Scholar-Athlete and an Academic All-MAC honoree, Lako also earned Dean's List recognition. He earned a bachelor's degree in human resources management in May 2019 and is currently pursuing a master's degree. Lako's community service activities include the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, Haven of Rest, Akron's Children's Hospital, The Well CDC, and Saint Nick's Club.
"To be named to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team is no small feat and goes above and beyond sportsmanship and leadership in the classroom or on the field," said Tim Tebow, two-time national champion, Heisman Trophy winner and 2009 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® member. "These student-athletes believe in the power of giving back and enriching the lives of others, while also helping to shape the lives of future young athletes. Each year, I am struck by the caliber of these nominees and humbled to be a part of telling their stories."
The final 22-member team and honorary coach is selected by a voting panel consisting of former Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® members and prominent media members who look for both their dedication to giving back and the embodiment of true leadership on and off the football field.
After the final team members are announced on September 12, 2019, fans can vote for this year's Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® captain through the official page on ESPN.com. Fans are also encouraged to join in the conversation by searching and using #GoodWorksTeam on their social media channels throughout the season.
Under first-year head coach Tom Arth, Akron returns 51 letterwinners. UA opens the 2019 season at Illinois on August 31. The home opener is slated for Sept. 7 against UAB.
Season ticket plans—which include a ticket to all six home games as well as a parking pass– can be purchased now by calling or texting 888-99-AKRON (25766) or visiting The C.P. and Cornelia S. Chima Athletics Ticket Office at InfoCision Stadium-Summa Field (located at 375 E. Exchange Street, near Gate 1 at the southwest corner of the venue, at the corner of E. Exchange and S. Union streets) during business hours (Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
Group tickets start at $10 each (with a minimum of 15 people).
About the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®
The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® was established in 1992 by the College Football Association, recognizing the extra efforts made by college football players and student support staff off the field. AFCA became the governing body of the award in 1997 and continues to honor college football players who go the extra mile for those in need. Allstate worked to present the award starting with the 2008 season.
About the AFCA
The AFCA was founded in 1922 and currently has more than 11,000 members around the world ranging from the high school level to the professional ranks. According to its constitution, the AFCA was formed, in part, to "maintain the highest possible standards in football and in the coaching profession" and to "provide a forum for the discussion and study of all matters pertaining to football."
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