Chamberlain's Aycock Named Guy Toph Winner

TAMPA - The graduating class of 2009 is expected to be remembered as one of the most talented groups in the history of Hillsborough County high school football.

This year's group of seniors included state champions, All-Americans and record holders, all of whom were rated some of the top prospects in the nation. The athlete named the county's top public schools player would certainly value the recognition.

On Thursday, Chamberlain High senior quarterback Dontae Aycock received that honor, being selected the 2008 Guy Toph Award recipient at the Hillsborough County public schools 2008-09 fall sports awards ceremony.

The Guy Toph Award is given annually to the county's top public school football player based on a series of criteria that includes academics and good citizenship.

Aycock, a 5-foot-10 dual-threat quarterback, led the Chiefs to an 11-2 record, a district championship and Class 5A region final appearance while leading the county in rushing yards and scoring.

"It's special," Aycock said. "Just hearing the guys who won in previous years makes it more special."

Aycock passed for 1,491 yards and 17 touchdowns and rushed for 1,406 yards with 28 touchdowns. He also owns a 3.1 unweighted grade-point average and has more than 30 college scholarships offers, which include Georgia Tech and Illinois.

He's the ninth Chamberlain player to win the award.

"He's a good role model for any kid looking to be a scholar-athlete," Chamberlain coach Billy Turner said. "Since he's been [at Chamberlain], he's never had a teacher say he's acted up, not even just a little bit."

Aycock, who turned 17 in October, said he plans to announce his college decision Feb. 4, the annual National Signing Day. The four-star recruit plans to visit Georgia Tech this weekend, followed by a trip to the University of Illinois.

Armwood High senior defensive end Ryne Giddins, a consensus four-star recruit who recently committed to the University of South Florida, was given the Jim "Jimbo" Kynes Outstanding Lineman Award. Giddens, the CSTV National Defensive Player of the Year, is Armwood's all-time sack leader.

Plant High senior outside hitter Danielle Erb was given the Kirkwood Family Volleyball Award. Erb, who is headed to James Madison University, led nationally ranked Plant to its third consecutive Class 5A state title.

"It has been amazing and an honor to play for Plant," said Erb, who was also named the Florida Dairy Farmers Class 5A Player of the Year. "I feel like I left everything on the court."

Jesuit High senior Connor Revord and Newsome High senior Rebecca Webster were the recipients of the Ben Walker Award for cross country runner of the year.

Seniors Shena Yang of Wharton and Kyle Martin of Plant City received the Casey Most Valuable Golfer Award.

Seniors Conor Swanson of Sickles and Meg Anderson of Plant received the Jessie Helfrich Hicks Award for outstanding swimmers.

Reporter Nick Williams can be reached at [phone].