Coach Z guided the football program at Marshall High School from 1980 until 2004. Though the records of those teams were outstanding, Coach Z will be remembered most for his dedication, selflessness, and enthusiasm for all the students of Marshall.

This award recognizes the player or players that go above and beyond to represent themselves, their team, and their community in a positive manner. They may or may not be the most talented player, but they do whatever they can to make the team better. 

Coach Z award winners:

• 2006: Zach Reed and Nick Krull
• 2007: Alex Koeller and Chad Janke
• 2008: Alex Koeller and Josh Leese
• 2009: Max Pinz and Luis H. Acosta
• 2010: 
• 2011: 
• 2012: Austin Martinez and Trevor McCarthy
• 2013: Parker Anding and Brandon Grob
• 2014: Bryce Meier and Helen Kilian
• 2015: Adam Wehking
• 2016: Ben Lusk
• 2017: Breakfast Club Founding Members: Kelvin Opoku-Appoh, Izak Plasky, and Mitchell Gomez
• 2018: Deven Haberkorn, Ben Lusk, Izak Plasky, and Josh Wehking