'AIEA - An unwavering faith kept 'Aiea High slotback Phillip Madriaga training for a football season he would never get to play.

But it is that faith that got him nominated for the High School Football Rudy Awards, which seeks the most inspirational football players around the country who "best demonstrate the exemplary values of football legend Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger, the inspiration of the movie Rudy. Some $25,000 in academic scholarships will be awarded to the winner, two runners-up and a "fan favorite."

To cast a vote for the 'Aiea High School senior and read more about him, go to: http://www.highschoolrudyawards.com/nominees/393/Phillip_Madriaga.aspx?mid=2356

"The kid is so positive about everything," said 'Aiea coach Wendell Say, who nominated Madriaga.

Madriaga's story dates back to nearly a year ago. During the week of Na Alii's Division II state tournament opener against Lahainaluna, Madriaga suffered a spinal injury at practice that sent him to Queen's Medical Center by an ambulance already at 'Aiea ready to take teammate Rylen Fonoti to the hospital for a neck injury he sustained earlier at the same practice.

At the time, his doctor told him he should not continue football. Still, Madriaga continued to train in the offseason as if he were going to return. He even played in the non-contact, no pads pass league during the summer.

"All (my teammates) kept telling me to believe," Madriaga said. "That's probably what kept me going."

Just before summer workouts, he sought another diagnosis, praying for a positive response.

"Dr. (Darryl) Kan told me no way he would allow me to play," Madriaga said. "He said, 'No doctor in the U.S. would allow you to play,'"

Madriaga was diagnosed with having spinal stenosis, or when the spinal canal narrows, compressing the spinal cord and nerves. He was told another hit could lead to paralysis.

Though saddened he was unable to play the game he loved in his last year of high school, he kept his spirits high. Although he could not play, Say kept him on the team as a full member. Madriaga still attended practice, helping out players like a coach. He suited for games, wearing his No. 21 jersey. He even was one of the captains for the preseason opener and at homecoming.

His leadership isn't just on the gridiron. Madriaga is senior class president. He was junior class president last year and sophomore vice president. He also is on the basketball team - he was cleared by his doctor to play, he said. All this while maintaining a 3.889 grade point average. He said he was just accepted to Nevada-Las Vegas, where he wants to major in civil engineering. He chose UNLV because his grandmother lives in the area. Madriaga is getting ready to compose essays for scholarships.

Madriaga said he drew inspiration from The Seven, a spiritual group led by 'Aiea assistant C.J. Tausaga, and his parents Shannell Lonso and Ferly Madriaga.

"The Seven was always there for me during my injury," Madriaga said. "My mom always told me to keep my head up. She worked so hard for me and my sister."

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