The Cole Pensick–Mark Vincent Pelini Center of Excellence Award (COE) honors the legacy of two extraordinary young men—Cole Pensick and Mark Vincent Pelini—both talented centers who played for the University of Nebraska and tragically passed away within six months of each other. In their memory, the Pensick and Pelini families established this award to recognize Nebraska High School Class A football’s most outstanding center, celebrating not only athletic excellence but also leadership, character, and dedication to the team.

 

Cole Pensick, a standout at Lincoln Northeast High School, was a three-year starter and a dominant force on the line. He went on to earn accolades at the University of Nebraska, including All-Big 10 honors, Academic All-Big 10, and inclusion on the Rimington Trophy watch list. Mark Pelini, a member of Cardinal Mooney High School’s 2009 undefeated state championship team, also became a starting center at Nebraska, earning academic and citizenship honors, including Academic All-Big 10, the Tom Osborne Citizenship Team, and the Brook Berringer Citizen Team.

 

The award celebrates players who embody the same virtues Cole and Mark demonstrated on and off the field—leadership, teamwork, perseverance, and academic excellence. Through this award, their families and former teammates ensure that the spirit of Cole and Mark continues to inspire Nebraska’s young athletes.