Mt. Pleasant graduate Kurt Aumer nominated for off-field honor

Kurt Aumer was viewed as one of the good guys when he played football at Mt. Pleasant.

His knack for community involvement and attention to those around him were traits he took with him to college. Now the junior defensive lineman at Monmouth could receive an award because of it.

Aumer is a nominee for the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, an off-the-field honor that has existed for 25 years.

Student-athletes who draw nominations “not only demonstrate a unique dedication to community service and desire to make a positive impact on the lives around them, but they also show tremendous perseverance as well as the ability to overcome personal struggles and come out victorious against all odds.”

“I love being able to help out the people around me,” Aumer said. “Whether that is being able to help out with any organization or connecting with someone on an individual level. If I’m able to bring a positive impact, it creates a feeling that makes me want to continue to help out as much as I can.”

Aumer played defensive end at Mt. Pleasant, and Jason Fazekas, who coached Aumer in high school, said he could take over games.

“Kurt was an exceptional player,” Fazekas said. “He had an extremely high motor and executed his technique at a high level. I think one year he led the team in tackles, and this was from a kid that played with his hand on the ground. He also was a dominant tackle on offense.”

Fazekas said Aumer played his senior year with a torn rotator cuff, but the injury did not slow him down.

“Off the field, Kurt was a fun and likeable kid,” the coach said. “He also excelled in the classroom.”

Aumer is involved with a number of community service projects with his teammates, and for the second year, he has played a key role in Monmouth’s “Be the Match” campaign, a program that matches donors to patients with blood cancer. He also is involved with the team’s “Impact” program, which mentors a selected teammate, and he also is active with the “Read Across America” campaign and he participates in the Schroth School for Children Holiday Party and Super Bowl Party, where Monmouth players give out gifts to children with developmental disabilities.

Aumer also is part of the Monmouth SAAC Executive Board and one of the Co-Founders and MSAAC Representative of the Peer Mentor Program starting this fall called FLIGHT Academy.

“In addition to being an excellent football player and student, Kurt is a selfless individual,” Monmouth coach Kevin Callahan said in a news release. “He is motivated by the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others, and he is inspired by helping people grow.”

On the field, the 6-foot-3, 260-pound Aumer has played in 19 games and has 42 tackles. He made four straight starts last season.

The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team is made up of 11 FBS and 11 FCS, Division II, III and NAIA players, along with one honorary head coach.

Candidates also must perform well academically.

The final 22 recipients will be announced next month.

Monmouth opens the season Aug. 31 against Western Michigan.