CASEY MILLS NAMED 2021 WINNER OF GAZIANO LINEMAN AWARD

By Saber Hanington 1/31/22

Cony’s own Casey Mills won the 2021 Gaziano Lineman Award and is the first in the school's history to be honored with the award.

The Gaziano award is given to the best high school linemen in the state and comes with a $5,000 scholarship, making it the “largest of its kind in the country,” according to Maine High School Football. Mills, a senior at Cony High School, and Thomas Horton of Bonny Eagle were recognized with the award on Jan. 22.

“Awards were never the goal of my season. I wanted to go out and play the game that I love with the people I have spent my entire life with. Winning the Gaziano is an incredible bonus to an already great season,” said Mills after receiving the award.

The award is given to a defensive or offensive linemen who showed the most hard work in their community, school and football season. The honor is given in memory of Frank J. Gaziano, who was a college football All American and pro-player. After Gaziano’s football career, he founded National Distributors Inc., which is the main financial provider of the scholarships.

Mr. Lippert, who is the head coach of Cony High School football, attributes Mill’s win to his successful season and his prowess off the field.

“I think Casey had a sensational senior season on the field, and that, coupled with his impressive off the field resume, made him a very good candidate for this prestigious award,” said Lippert.