EDINBORO, Pa. -- The Edinboro University football team enjoyed an outstanding season under first-year head coach Justin Lustig. But the success went far deeper than the record-tying nine wins on the field. It also involved working with the community and being exemplary both on the field and in the classroom. 

One extremely noteworthy project was started by tight end Ryan Stratton.  Stratton started a 12th Man tradition at Edinboro during the fall 2016 season to unite two of his passions – football and special education.
 
Through his efforts, an individual with an intellectual disability joined the team as an honorary member at each home game, spending time with the players in the locker room and on the sidelines.
 
On Dec. 9, Stratton organized an end-of-season banquet for the 12th Man honorees and their families. Four of the six participants attended, including a young woman who participated as a 12th Man cheerleader, and each received an award presented by Lustig. On hand were Nathan Englund, Mathew Serafin, Aaron Wagner and Sarah Lupo. Tristan Dennis and Tony Mele were unable to attend.
 
"On behalf of our football team, I'd like to thank our 12th Men for always bringing your passion and drive to our team," Stratton said in introducing the evening's program.
 
Lustig echoed Stratton's praise of the contributions of the 12th Man participants, saying that all were examples to his players of toughness, teamwork and countless other great qualities. He also lauded Stratton, saying, "what a special guy he is, and what a great program he put together."
 
The tight end from Smethport, Pa. was recently named the football team's Academic MVP, Stratton is a sophomore dual-majoring in Middle Level Math and Special Education, with a minor in Military Studies. He has completed 21 credit hours this semester, and holds a cumulative GPA of 3.72.
 
His love for special education led him to organize this banquet, which he planned to pay for with $600 of his own money. After learning of Stratton's humility and desire to serve, several faculty and staff members worked together quietly to ensure the bill was paid by other means.
 
"We also thought about presenting him with a surprise award at the banquet this Friday," said his advisor, Dr. Katherine Robbins-Hunt, "but knowing him, he would be upset because he would feel like it takes away from the kids.  He wants it to be all about the kids."
 
Stratton's efforts will touch the lives of many, and will likely continue to do so as he moves forward through his education to his career, his advisor said. He has made his professors, his teammates and classmates, and the university proud.