Boys Town Home Campus - Boys Town, NE

Joe Thomas, 2006 Outland Trophy Award winner, shows his award to members of the Boys Town Cowboys Football Team, Traci Ramos, Mayor of the Village of Boys Town and Caitlin Huber, Vice Mayor.

Outland Trophy Award Winner Visits Boys Town

Joe Thomas of the University of Wisconsin Badgers football team, an academic all-American who was awarded the 2006 Outland Trophy as the nation's top interior lineman, visited Boys Town Jan. 10.

"We need good examples like Joe to speak to our kids at Boys Town," said Dr. Dan Daly, Boys Town Vice President of Youth Care. "We are proud of our sports tradition here and it is examples like Joe that inspire our kids."

Standing tall among Boys Town football players, Traci Ramos, Mayor of the Village of Boys Town and Caitlin Huber, Vice Mayor, Thomas answered many questions.

When a football player asked Thomas if he ever wanted to give up after suffering an injury, Thomas said his positive attitude helped him persevere. "Support from family, friends and God helped me stay strong," he said. "My dad is my role model. Seeing how each of you succeeded coming from difficult backgrounds makes me proud."

One player asked the 313 pound lineman, "What do you eat?"

"Drink lots of milk," replied Thomas, who signed a football to be displayed in the Hall of History.

Bob Mancuso of the Greater Omaha Sports Committee and Lisa Olson with First Data accompanied Thomas to Boys Town. The Greater Omaha Sports Committee and First Data Corporation sponsor the Outland Trophy presentation banquet Jan. 11

Thomas appeared in 35 games, including 26 starts, for the Wisconsin Badgers. He is expected to be among the top three overall selections in the 2007 National Football League Draft by ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. and Scouts, Inc.