DAYTON -- Senior running back Mason Hackett and fellow senior offensive lineman Zachary McDowell were chosen as the winners of the 70th presentation of the Lt. Andy Zulli Memorial Trophy at halftime of Saturday's Dayton-Davidson football game.

The award goes to the Flyer senior who best exemplifies the qualities of Zulli, a former UD football player who was killed in a military vehicle accident while serving in the Army in Germany shortly after his graduation in 1954.  Zulli was not a star football player at Dayton, but his qualities of sportsmanship, scholarship and leadership were so exceptional that this award was created in his memory shortly after his death.

It is considered the most prestigious award in the University of Dayton football program.

Hackett (Newark Catholic - Granville, Ohio) has been an exemplary member of the Dayton Football program over the past four years, earning PFL Second Team and PFL All-Academic team honors while playing in 39 career games. Hackett has rushed for nearly 1,700 yards and 10 touchdowns in his time at UD.

McDowell (Olentangy Orange - Westerville, Ohio) is another four-year member of the Flyers and is the epitome of team player. McDowell has appeared in 37 games in multiple positions on the offensive line and has played a crucial part in the Flyers' offensive success this season. His tireless work ethic, unwavering dedication to his teammates, and professionalism have set the tone for the next generation of Flyers. 

The late Vic Cassano, Sr. began the award in 1956.  His family has continued the support of the award, and also makes a $1,000 annual contribution to the Harry C. Baujan Scholarship Fund at UD in memory of Andy Zulli.

This is the fourth time in program history that two players have received this honor and the first since1984 (also 1962 and 1980).