SUCCESS STORIES
Daniel White, Stamford High School
White was only 7 when Lione passed away in 1999 at the age of 59. But the Stamford High sophomore who has played baseball and football in high school, knows a lot more than most kids his age about the legendary coach.
"I have read about Mickey and learned a lot about him," White said. "I know he was a role model and inspired people. Yes, he cared about winning but he would never sacrifice the team for an individual. If the individual was the best player on the team but was suddenly a hindrance to the team, he'd sit on the bench."
White, however, knows that Lione wasn't merely a disciplinarian.
"He was always there for you," he said. "I know he was a friend and a mentor."
Lione would no doubt be proud that White was one of the three high school sophomores to receive this year's Lione Scholarship Award. White loves baseball, and is tough enough to be a defensive end and tight end in football despite being 5-foot-7 and 165 pounds. In addition, he is an honors student flirting with a GPA in the 3.7 to 3.9 range.
"I've always done well academically but I have to find time for sports," said White who hopes to one day become a lawyer. "If you love a sport, you have to be dedicated and find time to balance your time out."
White, who spends much of his spare time volunteering as a coach and umpire and as a Big Brother, is a member of the National Achievement Academy. He played defensive end in 2006-07 on the freshman and JV team. He was moved to tight end as a sophomore on the JV team. He was a shortstop/third baseman on the JV baseball team and that is where he has the highest hopes for the future.
"Baseball is my first love," he said. White has also been a member of the Babe Ruth 13 and 14 year old all-star teams the lat two summers. "To tell you the truth, I play football to stay in shape for baseball."
White hopes to be a member of the SHS varsity baseball team next spring and with so many seniors leaving the program this year, his chances should be good.
"The JV team went 12-2 this year so there are a lot of good kids ready to come up," White said. "I hope to make it and be a part of keeping the winning tradition going at Stamford High."
Winning is something White, like all Lione Award winners, is used to.
"I am so honored and proud to receive this award," White said. "All my hard work finally paid off."