To the Editor:

Last Sunday, the NFL held its annual draft, and for the first time in Selma, Ala., history, a Selma native was chosen in the NFL draft.

He was chosen by the Seattle Seahawks. That player was a product of Selma High School, our hero Ben Obomanu.

Obomanu was a four-year starter at Auburn University. In his four years at Auburn, he never lost to Alabama, won an SEC title, and went undefeated in 2004 (13-0).

I’m proud to have known and watched this kid grow into a young man. From this day forward, the Athlete of the Year trophy, which is presented annually to the top athlete in Selma by the Parents of Players Association, will be named the Ben Obomanu Award.

Bruce L. Holmes Sr.

President, Parents of Players Association