When Gary Kruse received an email in June regarding the Broyles Award, he ignored it.

The former Fountain-Fort Carson High School football assistant coach thought the email was a “Who’s who in America” message and said he disregarded a second email from the group in July, still unsure of the specifics.

However, when Jake Novotny, Fountain-Fort Carson football coach, contacted Kruse and asked if he received information, Kruse began his research.

“This has been such a humbling experience,” Kruse said. “And after that Zoom meeting (Friday), I understand the award much better and understand that it’s a huge honor.”

Presented by the Frank & Barbara Broyles Foundation, the Broyles Award honors the top assistant coaches in high school football and recently expanded to 37 states. The award is named after Frank Broyles, who spent nearly 50 years as the coach and athletic director at the University of Arkansas.

Distribution of the Broyles Award began in 1996 and initially focused on college football. In 2019, the award expanded to high school.

Kruse is the first assistant coach from Colorado who will receive recognition for his work and will join 36 other assistant coaches at the High School Broyles Award Ring Ceremony on Feb. 13 at Oaklawn Resort in Hot Springs, Ark.

“This is a results-based award, honoring the top-performing assistant coach from the most recent football season. … Selection is based solely on coaching performance and team results from the previous season—what happened on the field, in the film room, and on game day,” The Broyles Award Foundation said in a release. “…To be eligible, a coach must serve as a position coach or coordinator. While character and integrity remain important components of the selection process, the primary focus is excellence in coaching results—aligned with the values and competitive spirit that defined coach Frank Broyles’ legacy.”

Kruse, who has coached in Fountain School District 8 for 31 years – 20 at the middle school and 11 at the high school – remained humble about the award and said, “It’s more than I feel I deserve.” But Novotny believes the honor was “long overdue” for Kruse and his dedication to Fountain’s programs.

“There’s no one who deserves it more than Gary, and not having him leaves a big hole in our program because he’s been such an impactful, steady and calm voice for our kids,” Novotny said. “He was with me from 2016 until this past year. The award isn’t supposed to be a culmination of a career but when you look at his impact over 30-plus years, nobody deserves this more.”

Kruse retired from high school coaching in March and is in a “transition year” for the upcoming season. Kruse said he’d spend his final year teaching and coaching at Fountain Middle School before officially retiring in 2026.

The former Trojans defensive line coach thanked a bevy of people who helped throughout his journey, including his wife of 32 years, Dana, who continues to support him.

“She’s stood by me this whole time,” Kruse said. “The reflection piece is tough and she’s been a huge help. I’m grateful for everyone in the Fountain-Fort Carson community, especially the coaches and staff and (Jake) Novotny. I’ve been fortunate to be around a lot of great coaches. I can’t say enough about the staff and athletes at Fountain-Fort Carson. I’ve been so fortunate to have this opportunity.”