Former Cardinal Mooney High School and University of Nebraska Center Mark Pelini was a man of discipline, courage, faith, purpose and character.

MARK VINCENT PELINI AUGUST 27, 1991 – OCTOBER 2, 2022

As a teammate, he was a leader, a challenger, a fierce competitor and a friend.

As a son of God, he was spiritual, fair, kind and inquisitive. As a son and brother, he was loyal and loving and invested.

In paying homage to Mark’s legacy, the Mark Vincent Pelini Foundation is proud to add the MVP Center of Excellence Award to its list of initiatives in line with their mission to impact the community and the youth of tomorrow in Mark’s name.

The MVP Center of Excellence Award will be presented to an outstanding Mahoning, Trumbull, Columbiana, Summit and Stark County Offensive Lineman (Center) who excels on the field, in the classroom and in the community. He should be a leader. He should have courage and compassion, faith and integrity. He should excel on the field, in the classroom in the community.

Each high school coach in every classification will be permitted to nominate one Center. The MVP Selection Committee will choose 12 finalists by November 10, 2025. Those 6 finalists will be invited to attend the MVP Center of Excellence Award Breakfast on Saturday December 13, 2025 along with their coach and family where the winner will be revealed.