The best way to keep a legendary sportsman’s legacy alive?

Name an annual award after him.

That’s why we have the Vince Lombardi Trophy, the Roberto Clemente Award, the Heisman Trophy, etc.

Soon, we will have the Willie Thrower Award, recognizing the name of a standout New Kensington High School football player who went on to play for the Michigan State national championship team in 1952 and became one of the NFL’s first-ever black quarterbacks when he played for the 1953 Chicago Bears.

Originally a halfback in the single-wing at New Kensington, Thrower was eventually moved to quarterback. New Kensington won 24 straight games — including a WPIAL championship — and New Kensington compiled a 35-3-1 record with Thrower in its lineup.

The Willie Thrower Award will be given to the best quarterback in the WPIAL this season, as determined by a committee vote.

The top five nominees will convene for a luncheon at Valley High School in the spring. The award will be presented there, next to the Willie Thrower statue at the school.

Good plan.

And plenty of good candidates.

Armstrong sophomore Cadin Olsen entered Week 5 of this high school season leading the WPIAL with 1,029 yards passing with eight touchdowns and only two interceptions. I’ve seen this kid play. He is the real deal.

So is North Catholic junior Joey Prentice, a Butler County resident who has thrown for 660 yards, 11 TDs and only two interceptions.

Highlands sophomore Chandler Thimons has 649 yards and eight TDs through the air with no interceptions.

Seneca Valley’s Dustin Horn threw for 202 yards and four touchdowns in his first varsity start behind center, leading the Raiders to a season-opening win at Hempfield.

There is plenty of stellar quarterback play in these parts, even outside of the WPIAL. Brookville’s Jack Krug has thrown for 1,242 yards and 18 TDs in only four games. Hickory’s Michael Henwood has thrown for 1,118 yards and 14 TDs. Central Clarion’s Calvin German has thrown for 1,148 yards and 14 TDs.

Those three, of course, will not be eligible for the Willie Thrower Award.

Buit a very deserving quarterback will win it.

I am curious to see who the five finalists for the award will be. Pittsburgh City League players are eligible for the honor as well.

The Willie Thrower Award will be presented on an annual basis. Not only will it recognize current excellence on the football field, it will salute historic excellence at the same time.

And Willie Thrower is worth learning about.

John Enrietto is sports editor of the Butler Eagle