When I first started covering Mark Dantonio, I found out he made a point to remember the name of every person who works in the Michigan State football facility. Every person.
I'm not surprised he won a national award for his efforts in the community.
Dantonio was presented the Gene Stallings Award on Monday night, given to a coach for his efforts in the community.
The Michigan State head coach picked up the award at an event in Dallas.
The longtime Alabama coach handed out the honor for the fifth year to a coach "who are also humanitarians and strive to promote healthy, vibrant communities through charitable and community service efforts."
Dantonio's work in the community includes an eight-year running of a women's football clinic, and work with the Children's Miracle Network in Lansing, including telethons for the organization.
The Stallings Award serves as a fundraiser for children with disabilities in honor of Gene's son, Johnny, who was born with Down syndrome.
