John Bapst’s Kurt Massey was chosen for the 2012 Frank J. Gaziano Defensive Lineman Award on Sunday in a banquet ceremony held at the Augusta Civic Center.

Massey, who is from Orrington, is the first John Bapst player to win the award. He was a four-year starter at defensive end and a three-year starter on offense. A team captain, he led the LTC in sacks with seven, was the second-leading tackler for the Crusaders’ No. 2-ranked defense and was a member of the LTC’s all-star team the last two years. He has a 3.7 GPA and is an honors student.

“It just feels amazing because all of my hard work has finally paid off,” said Massey, who is considering Merrimack College, University of New Hampshire and University of Maine to continue his playing career. “I do everything I do for my team and my family, so it’s just great to get this award.”

“As much as anything, Kurt was our rock,” John Bapst coach Dan O’Connell said. “There was a noticeable difference when Kurt was in the game and when he wasn’t. He had a motor that wouldn’t quit. He was determined to make an impact regardless of what side the play was run, to him or against him. He’s the epitome of what it means to be a football player.”

Massey has participated in the Komen Race for the Cure four times and supported the Walk Against Myeloma. He has also volunteered for the Free the Z Turkey Drive for Manna Soup Kitchens and at the Sudbury Village retirement home.

he finalists and winners were selected from a group of 31 linemen, nominated by their coaches, and 19 semifinalists. Nominees submitted an essay and game film, which were reviewed by a 12-member selection committee composed mostly of current and former football coaches. Semifinalists met with the committee for an interview, and award recipients were selected by the committee based on their strong leadership on the field, in the classroom and in the community.

Read the complete story in the Bangor Daily News and Portland Press Herald.