WASHINGTON, D.C. - Each year, the Catholic University football team presents two of its most prestigious honors, the Anthony J. Bottoni Award and the Ronnie McManes Award.

Established in 2000, the Anthony Bottoni Award honors the team's outstanding senior leader and most valuable player. It is named in honor of Anthony Bottoni who was a two-year starter at right guard and member of the 1999 Old Dominion Athletic Conference championship team. He played on three consecutive NCAA playoff teams that compiled a 29-4 record. Since his passing in 1999, no other Cardinal has worn the number 76. 

The Ronnie McManes Award was established in 1998 to honor a Catholic University football player who has risen above adversity to excel athletically and academically. The award is named in honor of Ronnie McManes who helped rejuvenate football at Catholic in 1965 by becoming the University's first head coach after a 15-year hiatus.

The 2022 recipient of the Anthony J. Bottoni Award is Huey Bodger! A true leader on and off the field, Bodger has been a staple within the Catholic football community, serving as a team captain in 2022 before returning as a volunteer assistant this season. Bodger was a 2nd Team All-NEWMAC Defensive Lineman a year ago and the recipient of the Catholic Athletics Martin Dowd Role Model Award. In 2022, Bodger recorded 34 tackles, 4.5 TFLs, and 3.5 sacks. For his career, Bodger finished with 62 tackles, six TFLs and a TD reception in 26 games. 

"Huey was a great defensive end for us throughout his career and it is wonderful to have him continue to be a leader in our program as a Volunteer Assistant," said Vincent and Ellen Sica Endowed Head Coach Mike Gutelius. "I was proud to coach him as a player and may be even prouder to work with him every day as a member of our coaching staff. Huey exemplifies all the characteristics that make the Bottoni Award so special."

The 2022 recipient of the Ronnie McManes award is Joe Nazzaro! Throughout Joe's career, he continued to push through adversity and overcome obstacles to become a senior leader and the heart and soul of the Catholic defense in 2022. Nazzaro made 82 tackles and was named an All-NEWMAC Second Team player after evolving from a part-time role as a junior into a full-time defensive leader. Nazzaro finished his Catholic career with 95 tackles in 21 games played. 

"Joe was the glue that held our defense together in 2022," said Gutelius. "He overcame three different position changes during his junior season to ultimately have an extremely successful senior campaign and I couldn't be more proud of how he battled and worked during his career. He was a true leader by example, and he was always working on his craft to maximize what he could bring to the table as a teammate."