Excellence
Recognizing athletes who perform at an elite level and elevate everyone around them.
Our mission
Built to honor Arizona football.
The Grand Canyon State Gridiron Club celebrates the student-athletes, leadership and character that move Arizona high school football forward.
About the club
A statewide platform for excellence.
The Grand Canyon State Gridiron Club is a proud brand of the Arizona Sports & Entertainment Commission. The club honors exceptional high school football athletes who lead through performance, perseverance, sportsmanship and integrity.
Through the Ed Doherty Award and the Arizona High School Flag Football Player of the Year Award, the club preserves a proud tradition while creating new opportunities to celebrate the next generation of Arizona athletes.
What we value
More than the final score.
Leadership
Celebrating players who set the tone in competition, in the classroom and in their communities.
Perseverance
Honoring the discipline and resilience required to grow through every challenge.
Integrity
Keeping character and sportsmanship at the center of every Gridiron Club honor.
The people behind the honors
Leadership and Selection Committee
Experienced coaches, media professionals and community leaders from across Arizona help guide the Gridiron Club and its award programs.
| Role | Name | Affiliate |
|---|---|---|
| Executive Director | Nikki Balich | Arizona Sports & Entertainment Commission |
| Co-Chairs | ||
| Co-Chair | Mark Earle | Valley Chapel |
| Co-Chair | Charlie Ragle | Former College and Arizona High School Coach |
| Co-Chair | Rob Yowell | Gemini Sports |
| Selection Committee | ||
| Committee | Brittany Bowyer | All Sports Phoenix |
| Committee | Cody Cameron | Sports 360 AZ |
| Committee | Ed Cole | Epic Sports Network |
| Committee | Cameron Cox | 12 News Sports |
| Committee | Kevin Derryberry | KDB Broadcasting & Mediaworks |
| Committee | Chris Eaton | Gridiron Arizona, Arizona Varsity |
| Committee | Jose Garcia | AZPreps365 |
| Committee | Erik Gray | Premier Prep Online Academy |
| Committee | Andy Morales | AZPreps365 Tucson |
| Committee | Javier Morales | All Sports Tucson |
| Committee | Richard Obert | Arizona Republic |
| Committee | Lee Patterson | KATO-AM |
| Committee | James Poovey | Epic Sports Network |
| Staff | ||
| Staff | Derek Angelo | ASEC |
| Staff | CC Cammarata | ASEC |
| Staff | Joey Cammarata | ASEC |
| Staff | Wyley Draheim | ASEC |
Our organization
Owned and operated by ASEC.
The Arizona Sports & Entertainment Commission creates opportunities that strengthen Arizona’s sports community. The Gridiron Club carries that mission into high school football by recognizing achievement and building an enduring statewide legacy.
Visit ASEC