WALTHAM, Mass. – Each year, the New England Football Writers presents the Jerry Nason Award for Senior Achievement to a graduating senior football player from a New England institution who succeeds in football against all odds.

The 2017 recipient of the Nason Award is Bentley University defensive lineman Noah Lamothe (Weatogue, Conn./Simsbury HS). He'll receive the prestigious award on Tuesday, Dec. 5 when the New England Football Writers holds its annual Awards and Captains Banquet at the Montvale Plaza in Stoneham.

At the same dinner, Bentley freshman wide receiver Austin Ryan (Foxborough/Foxborough HS) will be recognized as part of the NEFW Division II-III All-New England team and Bentley director of athletics Bob DeFelice will receive the Carens Award for lifetime contributions to football in New England.

Lamothe was diagnosed with Mycosis Fungoides, a rare type of lymphoma, prior to the 2016 season, yet continued to participate for the Falcons while undergoing treatment. While the treatments affected his energy and stamina, they didn't affect his drive, even as the dosages were increased every two weeks.

In January of this year, tragedy hit Lamothe and his family when his brother Matt passed away suddenly at the age of 30. Matt is the one who had introduced Noah to the game of football and was his biggest fan.

Lamothe continued to battle while balancing his increased treatments, his academic workload as a management major and his athletic obligations as he prepared for spring practice. Unfortunately, a dislocated kneecap ended his spring practice.

While that injury affected his ability to train during the offseason, Lamothe was back out on the field competing this fall. He appeared in six games, mostly on special teams, while working relentlessly throughout the season and continuing to undergo his medical treatments.

Lamothe is the fourth Bentley player to receive the Nason Award, following Mike Nickerson (1994), Mario Hernandez-Kenyon (2003) and Bobby Tarr (2012).  

Ryan had a standout rookie season for the Falcons as he caught 49 passes for 1,237 yards and 16 touchdowns, including four in a season-ending 35-31 win over nationally-ranked and then-unbeaten Assumption. Against the Hounds, he set a school record with 284 receiving yards on eight catches.

A first-team All-Northeast-10 honoree, Ryan is tied for the most receiving touchdowns in Division II and is also third in yards per reception (25.2) and fifth in receiving yards per game (123.7).

Those interested in attending the NEFW Awards Banquet on Dec. 5 (reception 6:00, dinner 7:00) can make reservations by contacting Dick Lipe at rlipe@bentley.edu or 781-891-2334 by Thursday, Nov. 30. The cost of tickets is $50.