2003-2027

Built in the trenches.

25 Seasons Strong.

For a quarter century, the Trench Trophy has celebrated the toughness, discipline, and selfless work of Western New York’s high school football linemen.

2003

The Year it All Began

200+

Hall of Famers

716

Football Community

1478

where it began

Our Story

Recognition for the players who do the hard work.

The Trench Trophy began in 2003 with a simple belief: Western New York’s offensive and defensive linemen deserved an award of their own.

Season after season, volunteer scouts have watched games across Section VI and Monsignor Martin schools, recognizing players for far more than size or statistics. Technique, determination, coachability, courage, citizenship and scholastic effort have always mattered here.

What started around a table at the Lancaster Elks has grown into a lasting football tradition and a Hall of Fame shared by more than 200 outstanding student-athletes.

Len Kuhn

Carl Kuras

1478

Where It Started

Founded at the Lancaster Elks.

Members of Lancaster Elks Lodge #1478 created the Trench Trophy in 2003 and gave it a home that it still proudly maintains today. Their idea, energy and commitment built the foundation for everything that followed.

coming in 2027

Something special is taking shape.

We are planning a special anniversary experience for the players, families, scouts and friends who made these 25 seasons possible. More will be revealed next year.

Help Us Reconnect With Our Hall of Famers.

As we prepare to celebrate our 25th season, we are updating contact information and collecting photos and memories from past Trench Trophy banquets. If you are a former inductee or can help us reconnect with one, please complete the form below.