BRUNSWICK — Brunswick High School football player Will Oliver has been awarded the Steven David Lord Award.

The award is presented to the athlete that Steven Lord held high — “sportsmanship, determination, optimism and courage.”

Oliver had to overcome injuries during his career. As a freshman, it was apparent that he would need conditioning and muscle development, as he had difficulty running a lap.

He wasn’t deterred, working hard to get into shape, and despite suffering multiple injuries during his sophomore and junior years, continued to fight through.

Oliver entered his senior year with high hopes, earning the spot as a team captain from head coach Dan Cooper.

But, during a conditioning drill, Oliver broke his collarbone.

This was obviously a wakeup call for him because, since his freshman year, he has worked nonstop to excel for the Dragons his senior year. He put the time and effort in by lifting weights and conditioning daily. After suffering multiple injuries his sophomore and junior years, he doubled his training schedule to get himself in shape and was able to start his senior year on a team that the coaches all knew was going to be special.

His determination and hard work paid off ! This player was first in all of the team power lifts and one of the first captains Coach Cooper named this year. This young man had done it! He was now playing a major role on the Brunswick Dragons’ team in the early part of the season before disaster struck. During a conditioning practice, putting forth additional effort, he broke his collarbone. He needed surgery and was told his football days were finished.

Instead, Oliver again worked hard and suited up when the Dragons hosted Brewer in the Class B North regional final, a 14-12 Brunswick victory.

“Man, did we need him that night,” said Cooper. “He was terrific in his duties on defense and one of the main reasons we were able to win that game.

Luck was not on the side of Oliver, who again broke his collarbone in the game and had to miss the State Class B championship, a game the Dragons won, 28-6, against Kennebunk in Orono.

“This young man has Brunswick Dragon ‘orange and black’ running through him to the core,” said Cooper. “He is a terrific leader, a fantastic football player, and his love for our team and his passion to do whatever is necessary to help is second to none. I can’t think of a more deserving recipient of this honored award than him.”