Robert Starks named Clem Dellenger Award Winner

St. Patrick Catholic High School Senior Robert Starks has been selected as the Clem Dellenger Award Winner by the Gulfport Gridiron Club, naming him the Most Valuable Player for St. Patrick for the season.

The Gulfport Gridiron Club was founded in 1947 and has operated continuously for 70 years. Awards presented by the Club are named for individuals who have greatly impacted football in Harrison County throughout the years.

Gulfport Gridiron Club Scholarship and Awards Chair Joey Beattie said, “Robert Starks helped his team in every aspect of the game by playing running back, receiver, defense and special teams. He played at a very high level for his team and was an integral piece of the team’s success. He led by example with his positive attitude, his high expectations and his commitment to work. Coach Bloomfield explained him to me as a champion. Coach Dellenger would have been very proud to coach a young man like Robert Starks.”

The Clem Dellenger Award was established in 2007 in honor of the revered coach and to honor the founding year of St. Patrick Catholic High School. Coach Dellenger was a critical factor in the football played by Catholic schools in Harrison County. He played for Notre Dame, coached at Mercy Cross and finished his career at St. John.

On the win, St. Patrick Catholic High School Varsity Football Coast Jim Bloomfield said, “Robert Starks, pound for pound, is one of the toughest, quickest, and hardest-working athletes that I have had the pleasure to coach. He never missed practices and we could always count of Robert to make plays and give the greatest amount of effort on each play. It has been my honor to be able to coast Robert for the past three years. Go Irish!”