The 2019-20 school year is one that will be hard to forget for many, and for all the wrong reasons for plenty. For Carson Winkie, it will be one hard to forget – and for all the right reasons.

 

Already, Winkie was named the most valuable player in leading Bridgeport High School to the Class AA state title this past school year. He was chosen by the staff at the school as Mr. BHS, which allowed him to address the graduating class. Winkie was Governor of Boys State and was also nominated to attend the U.S. Naval Academy before being accepted to Harvard, where he will also play football.

 

What else is on the list of Winkie’s accomplishments? There is plenty more, and on Wednesday he added to it.

 

It was announced that Winkie received the 2020 Frank Loria Memorial Scholarship, which is awarded annually by the Clarksburg Columbian Club as part of the Frank Loria Awards Banquet.  The banquet was supposed to be held in March but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

In recent weeks, the banquet has officially been canceled. This is the announcement of the first major award by Columbian Club Scholarship Chairman, and sponsor, David J. Romano. Romano’s brother Mike, who serves as the banquet chair, said other major awards will soon be announced.

 

The scholarship award, which is sponsored by the Romano Law Office, LC, has a winner selected by a committee. Applications for the award are reviewed and then a decision is made.

 

“We believe this is an important award because it recognizes the academics our student-athletes are involved with,” said Romano. “His application has to be, if not the best, one of the best academic records we’ve ever looked. His was, hands down, excellent.”

 

Winkie received $1,000 from the Columbian Club.

 

“It may not seem like much, but Carson was thrilled. He’s certainly a good boy,” said Romano. “There are going to be a lot of good things this young man does.”

 

While this celebrates his academic success, Winkie had plenty of success on the gridiron this year as the Indians won their 10^th state championship with a 21-14 victory against Bluefield.  By season’s end, Winkie led the Indians with 96 tackles. 

 

As for offensive numbers his senior season, Winkie carried the ball 211 times for 1,129 yards and 18 touchdowns. Winkie did not lose a yard all year and the bulk of those yards came from the Tribe’s mid-season win against North Marion on. He also had 200 yards rushing on a Super Six record 43 carries in the title win against Bluefield

 

Romano said Winkie signifies what individuals look for in a true student-athlete. He said the Columbian Club has bene fortunate to see plenty of youngsters from Harrison County fall into that category.

 

“It’s unusual to be that strong athletically and academically, but if you’re dedicated you can do it,” said Romano. “We’ve been fortunate that several of the members of the all-county team that have been honored at the banquet to do great things, including several that have attended military academies.”

 

Carson is the Son of Ken and Leslie Winkie of Bridgeport. His father is a retired agent with the Federal Drug Enforcement Agency and his mother is a retired special agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

 

The Columbian Club wanted to congratulate Carson Winkie, and his Parents for raising a truly fine young man.

 

Future announcements should include the Loria Player of the Year, Lineman of the Year, and Coach of the Year.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Carson Winkie, left, receiving his scholarship check from David Romano. Bottom photo, by Ben Queen Photography, shows Winkie looking over the foe's offense during what turned out to be a state championship season.