The following is an open letter from 2017 Gold Helmet winner Max Borghi on his prep football career and what the award means to him:
I am unbelievably honored to be the 2017 Gold Helmet Award winner. It is truly humbling to be sitting along many immense men such as Dave Logan, the McCaffrey brothers, Fred Steinmark, and many others who I truly aspire to be.
Being the first ever to win this award in Pomona history is honoring because it shows that all the hard work both on and off the field has paid off. It has been no easy task to get to where I am today — academically and athletically — but this is just the beginning.
Over the past four years getting the opportunity to play for Pomona has been special. I have created friendships that will last a lifetime, and made memories that will never fade. Although it has been a bumpy road at times, through all my hard work and diligence I knew I would be able to reach some goals I had set for myself.
I couldn’t be more ecstatic with the way my high school career has ended, but none of it would be possible without Pomona coach Jay Madden, the coaching staff, and of course my great teammates. The tradition of The Big Black is something that I will carry on forever and I will always truly embrace.
As my high school career comes to a wrap, I can’t help but think about the future and how excited I am. Being blessed with the opportunity to earn a degree, while playing the sport I love, is something to cherish. I am going to continue to work hard, and never surrender. I can’t wait to go to into a new program as a no-name, and have to prove who I am all over again.
This award means the world to me. My high school career has been quite the roller-coaster but at the end of the day, through the ups and the downs, it has made me stronger and molded me into the man I am today. I would not be here today without the great mentors in my life who have taught me all of the characteristics to be successful.
I am forever grateful to every coach, trainer, and doctor who has taught me the game on and off the field. But not just them — none of this is possible without every single one of my teammates and the support of my tremendous family.
—Max Borghi, Pomona High School
