Schnellenberger Award to honor MVP of UK/Louisville game

The Louisville Sports Commission announced the creation of the Howard Schnellenberger Award on Tuesday, which will be presented annually to the most valuable player of the UK/Louisville rivalry game.

The two schools’ athletic departments and Schnellenberger gave their blessings for the creation of this award.

Currently, Schnellenberger is the head football coach at Florida Atlantic University, but his ties to the Governor’s Cup and the state of Kentucky are extensive.

Schnellenberger was recruited by former UK head coach Bear Bryant out of Louisville’s Flaget High School and eventually lettered with Cats from 1952-55 and was named an All-American tight end as a senior.

Following graduation, Schnellenberger returned to UK as an assistant coach in 1959 and 1960. He would later enjoy a 10-year stint as the head coach of Louisville (1985-1994) where he led a rejuvenation of the Cardinals’ program.

The award recipient will be selected by working media covering Saturday’s game.