On Dec. 1 at the Nassau County Football Coaches Banquet, held at the Cresthollow Country Club Port's senior running back, Jason Ham, became the 58th recipient of Newsday's Tom Thorp Award presented annually to the outstanding football player in Nassau County. He shares the honor with Roosevelt's senior running back Jerone Pettus. This marks the first time since its inception that the award has been shared. The vote was a split decision by the 12 coaches and officials on the selection panel. Newsday had the right to break the coaches' tie, but decided against it. Two trophies were presented. For Jason, the award was a pleasant surprise and the culmination of a great high school career that spanned three seasons in which he finished with 4,081 yards rushing and 40 TD's. The award did not come as a surprise to the many Port fans who have followed Jason's career at Port. Many, including coach Kreuscher, speculated early on that the Thorp was within reach as Jason had already been selected twice for All-County. Port's coach, Ken Kreuscher, calls Jason "the best player I have ever coached in my 20 some odd years of coaching; the honor could not have come to a nicer and more deserving person."

This season Jason rushed for 1,504 yards on 125 carries and scored 16 TD's to lead Port to a 5 and 3 record. Over the past two years Port's record was 5 and 3. Port just missed the playoffs by a whisker both years. Coach Kreuscher hopes that the winning of the award by Jason will bring back some of the old glory to Port football.

Modestly, Ham attributes his success to his teammates and coaches. Jason is also quick to acknowledge and thank the many individuals in the community who have helped and encouraged him as well as guided him in all his endeavors off the field. He especially praises his grandmother (Charlotte Dumpson) with whom he lives and who has raised him since he was a young boy.

Ham becomes the second football player from Port Washington to win the Thorp Award. John Fasano, a tackle, won the award in 1946. Mr. Fasano still resides in Port. Fasano, a former football coach at Westbury High School for over 30 years, feels that Jason deserved the honor bestowed upon him. He has followed Jason's career since he was a sophomore and has always hoped that he would soon be joined by Jason in the elite group of Thorp winners.

Fasano called Ham, "The most electrifying back he has ever seen at Port." He states that Jason could break open any close game with a long run or punt return. He too hopes that Jason's winning of the Thorp would give a boost to Port's football program.

Jason reports that the recruiting has intensified since receiving the award. Some of the schools that have contacted him are Towson, Cortland, Maine, Albany, St. John's, Maryland and Hofstra. Ham plans to spend the next few months reviewing his options. No matter where Jason continues his football career all Port Washington wishes him well. He has set the standard by which future Port running backs will be measured. He has helped bring Pride back to Port football.