04/07/26 – Steven Vipperman Earns NFHS Section 2 Spirit of Sport Award

April 7, 2026 2025-2026 News Releases

Print

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: APRIL 7, 2026

Steven Vipperman, a football player at Belfry High School who survived a major car accident last May, has been selected as the 2026 Section 2 recipient of the National High School Spirit of Sport Award by the NFHS.

 The National High School Spirit of Sport Award was created by the NFHS to recognize individuals who exemplify the ideals of the spirit of sport that represent the core mission of education-based athletics.

Vipperman’s significant injuries left the Belfry offensive lineman without use of his right hand, severe knee and elbow lacerations and a head injury. After multiple surgeries to repair his hand and hours of painful physical therapy, Vipperman was able to rejoin the Belfry football team this fall.

The NFHS is divided into eight geographical sections of state high school associations. Section 2 includes Kentucky, Delaware, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and Washington, D.C.

Print