In a significant recognition of athletic excellence, Joe Hayden from Mt. Blue High School and John Havu from Bonny Eagle High School were named the winners of the 2025 Frank J. Gaziano Memorial Lineman Awards on March 15, 2024. Hayden received the award for the best senior offensive lineman in Maine, while Havu was honored as the top defensive player.
The Gaziano Awards, which include a trophy and a $5,000 scholarship, aim to celebrate outstanding high school linemen who exemplify excellence both on and off the field. Hayden, standing at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 305 pounds, served as a second-year team captain and was recognized as a Sun Journal All-Region pick, along with being selected for the All-Class B North team.
Outstanding Performances Recognized
Havu played a crucial role in a Bonny Eagle defense that was among the best in the state. He earned accolades as a Varsity Maine All-State player and was a three-time selection for All-Class A South. His impressive statistics include an average of five tackles per game, alongside seven tackles for loss and three sacks, all notable achievements for a nose guard.
Both Hayden and Havu have also excelled academically. Hayden boasts a 3.9 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society, while Havu has achieved a weighted GPA of 4.04. Their academic accomplishments have led to their selection as all-academic members in their respective conferences.
Historical Significance and Finalists
Hayden’s win marks a historic moment as he becomes the first player from Mt. Blue to receive a Gaziano award. Havu is the third player from Bonny Eagle to win in the defensive category, following Nate Martell in 2010 and Arlo Pike in 2017. He is also the sixth player from the program overall to be honored, joining past offensive winners such as Zach Klein (2017), Aidan McGlone (2018), and Thomas Horton (2021).
In addition to Hayden and Havu, four other finalists were recognized. Collin Thompson and Colin Haigh from Thornton Academy and Jangmin Lee from Thornton and Griffin Faulkner from Old Town were honored with smaller trophies and $1,000 scholarships for their outstanding performances.
The Gaziano Awards serve not only to recognize athletic talent but also to encourage academic achievement and community involvement among high school athletes in Maine.
