San Juan football player up for national award

San Juan Capistrano's Juan Diego Temple is one of 12 high school football players in the nation nominated for The High School Football 'Rudy' Award by Parade Magazine.

Since 1963, Parade has selected its annual All-America High School Football Team, honoring the best high school players in the country. For the last three years, Parade has honored the nation's most inspiring football players with The High School Football 'Rudy' Awards.

The 'Rudy' Awards celebrate outstanding young athletes - not because of their statistical performance, but because of their ability to inspire and motivate teammates, classmates and communities. The awards are named for Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger, who was immortalized in the 1993 film Rudy, starring Sean Astin.

According to his nomination, Temple is a pillar of strength for his family and a strong role model for his peers. He demonstrates a great deal of tenacity and has stayed true to his beliefs regardless of peer pressure.

Temple has excelled in academics and athletics, despite being bullied by his peers prior to transferring to JSierra Catholic High School. He has risen as a leader on his team and in the community.

In 2009, Temple suddenly lost his father to colon cancer and has since filled the void as an inspiration to his community and family. Though the Temple family lives primarily in Los Angeles, the Temples now know that they have a family in San Juan Capistrano as well – their JSerra family.

"Juan Diego and his mom, Teresa, have become a source of inspiration for the entire school, community, and to me personally," said JSerra teacher Oscar McBride in a press release.

The 'Rudy' Awards finalists were chosen from 50 semifinalists. A second round of voting determined the current top 12 finalists.

The winner and runners up will be chosen by a Selection Committee, which includes former NFL greats Troy Aikman, Drew Bledsoe and Shaun Alexander. The fan favorite is determined by online voting.

The 'Rudy' Award winner will be announced in the Jan. 15, 2012 issue of Parade Magazine.

To vote for Temple, visit http://highschoolrudyawards.com/Football/nominee/678/Juan-Diego-Temple.aspx.

See more about Temple at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fl9fuYdqqiM&feature=player_embedded.

Contact the writer: magarcia@ocregister.com or 714-796-3658