The Black Death Award is an individual honor awarded to college football players at the United States Military Academy (better known as 'West Point') who distinguish themselves during a game. It is presented to players only in the case of "exceptional, near perfect play."Collin Mooney honored with coveted Black Death Award , Go Army Sports.com, 6 October 2008.
The award was first instituted by Army coach Jim Young in 1988. In 2007, Stan Brock, as the new head coach, reinstated the award. The award itself consists of a plaque featuring an Army Ranger-style knife and engraved with the honoree's name.A Strong Rush, Go Army Sports.com, 25 October 2008. According to Brock, it is given to players who go "above and beyond" and play "a near perfect game and have something to do with the outcome of the game for a victory."Stan Brock Press Conference, Go Army Sports.com, 7 October 2008.
Recent honorees Year Player Position Achievement 2007 LTC Greg Gadson LB 2007 Mike Wright WR vs. Tulane (20–17) 2008 Frank Scappaticci LB vs. Louisiana Tech (14–7) 2008 Collin Mooney RB vs. Tulane (44–17)
Sources: Scappaticci Earns Prized Black Death Award, Go Army Sports.com, 27 October 2008.
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