Colorado State University Athletics
Golditch named nominee for 2017 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team
7/10/2017 5:08:00 PM | Football
Senior offensive lineman recognized for his efforts in the community
NORTHBROOK, Ill. — Colorado State senior offensive lineman Zack Golditch has been nominated for one of the most prestigious off-the-field awards in college football, as the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) today included him among 146 nominees for the 2017 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team.
Since 1992, the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team has brought together a select group of college football players from across the country to honor their dedication to volunteerism and enriching the lives of others.
The Aurora, Colo., native has made several visits to hospitals, including the burn unit at Aurora's UCHealth facility and the nearby Children's Hospital Colorado. He has also spent time befriending children involved with Respite Care, a non-profit organization in Larimer County provides short term, quality care for children with developmental disabilities, giving respite to their families, and enhancing the quality of life for the entire family.
Golditch has also been a regular volunteer with the Fort Collins Boys and Girls Club, and often participates in the "Reading With The Rams" initiative, visiting local elementary schools to read and share stories with local youths.
He has previously been recognized for his community service efforts. He was CSU's representative for the 2016 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Humanitarian Award, which recognized excellence in community service. Golditch was also on the 2016 Wuerffel Trophy Watch List, another premier award for off-the-field efforts in the sport. As a freshman in 2013, he was presented with the National Football Foundation Inspiration Award for his courage and resiliency in returning to the football field after being among those wounded during the July 20, 2012 Aurora theater shooting. He was honored during the NFF Chapter Awards Luncheon at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City.
In two seasons as a starter on Colorado State's offense line, Golditch has played four positions and helped power a strong running game while keeping Rams quarterbacks on their feet. They allowed just 1.08 sacks per game in 2016—13th-fewest in all of FBS—and the CSU offense ranked 19th nationally in passing efficiency, 31st in rushing offense and 38th in scoring offense and total offense. The Rams allowed just one sack in the last 21 quarters of the season. CSU has had a winning season and competed in a bowl game each season with Golditch on its roster.
Golditch is double majoring in sociology and ethnic studies. He is expected to graduate in December, becoming the first member of his immediate family to do so.
Once the final team members are announced in September, college football fans are encouraged to visit the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team website on ESPN.com, featuring profiles and images of the players, for the opportunity to vote for the 2017 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® Captain. Throughout the season, fans can also follow along and join in on the conversation by searching and using #GoodWorksTeam on their social media channels.
In order to meet the criteria set forth by Allstate and the AFCA, each player must be actively involved with a charitable organization or service group while maintaining a strong academic standing.