Athletes in Action

Ernie Tavilla Award

The Ernie Tavilla Award is an honor presented annually to a local athlete who demonstrates outstanding leadership and character on the field, in the home, and in the community.

Ernie Tavilla was the chapel leader to the Red Sox for over two decades. A kind and generous man, he helped countless people in the Boston community and created a legacy of service that continues to guide and direct New England athletes and chapel participants today.

Ernie Tavilla Recipients
2006 Trot and Kathryn Nixon
2005 Mike and Dawn Timlin
2004 Don Davis
2003 Rick Lyle and Tony Cloninger
2002 Anthony Pleasant
2001 Grant Williams

2006 Trot and Kathryn Nixon

courtesy of Stan Chamberlain/AIANE

Red Sox right fielder Trot Nixon and his wife Kathryn received the 2006 Ernie Tavilla Award in recognition of their leadership on and off the field. Trot is a team chapel and Bible study leader, alongside Mike Timlin (2005 Ernie Tavilla Award recipient). Trot's reputation as a tough "Dirt Dog" competitor and a bold follower of Christ has generated great respect amongst his teammates. Kathryn Nixon, likewise, participates in a Bible study for team wives and is outspoken about her faith.

Trot and Kathryn also make wide-ranging contributions to the Jimmy Fund and Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Trot hosts "Trot's Troop" each month during baseball season, providing Red Sox tickets for children in treatment at the Jimmy Fund, Children's Hospital and S.P.A.R.K. of Boston Medical. He also spends time with those patients and their families after the game.

Kathryn, for her part, raises funds for the Jimmy Fund and Dana Farber by running with the Dana Farber Marathon Challenge Team in the Boston Marathon, and riding in the annual Pan-Mass Challenge.

Trot and Kathryn are also board members of Pro Athletes Outreach - a leadership and life skills development organization committed to meeting the unique needs of pro athletes, coaches and their families.

2005 Mike and Dawn Timlin

courtesy of Stan Chamberlain/AIANE

Red Sox pitcher Mike Timlin and his wife Dawn received the Ernie Tavilla Award in 2005. Both Mike and Dawn are active participants in Red Sox team chapel. Mike, a well-respected veteran pitcher, leads Bible studies alongside Trot Nixon (2006 Ernie Tavilla Award recipient) and consistently provides a source of encouragement to younger players in the bullpen.

Dawn is part of a Bible study for team wives and dedicates much of her time to community service. Together, Mike and Dawn raise funds and awareness for the Angel Fund, a non-profit group that supports the research of ALS. Mike donates $500 to the Angel Fund every time he makes an appearance on the pitcher's mound. And Mike and Dawn annually hold the Sharon Timlin memorial 5k run (in honor of Mike's mother) to benefit the Angel Fund. Additionally, Dawn has co-hosted "Say it with Flowers," a luncheon benefiting the ALS chapter of Massachusetts, with Shonda Schilling.

Mike and Dawn also support "Room to Grow" and, through the Red Sox Foundation, the Dimock Health and Community Center in Roxbury, Massachusetts. Moreover, Dawn has participated in the Pan-Mass Challenge and the run for "Babes Bookin' It," a program advocating adult literacy.

2004 Don Davis

courtesy of Stan Chamberlain/AIANE

Don Davis, New England Patriots linebacker, received the 2004 Ernie Tavilla Award for his enthusiastic participation in Athletes in Action and Pro Athletes Outreach, a leadership and life skills development organization committed to meeting the unique needs of pro athletes, coaches and their families.

Don is a dynamic follower of the Lord. Since joining the Patriots in 2003, he has been involved in several charitable activities. Working with children and youth in need is close to Don's heart and he has embraced programs supporting their spiritual and personal growth. Don is also Teaching Pastor at Living Water Christian Church in Attleboro, MA.

In his off time, Don and his wife, Nanette, enjoy spending time with their daughters, Dominique and Denay.

2003 Rick Lyle and Tony Cloninger

photo courtesy of Brita Meng
Outzen / Boston Red Sox

photo courtesy of AIANE

Rick Lyle, New England Patriots defensive end, and Tony Cloninger, Boston Red Sox pitching coach, were co-recipients of the 2003 Ernie Tavilla Award for the contributions each has made to his team and community.

Rick Lyle played with the Patriots for two seasons and during that time was a quiet and strong leader for the team. A fierce competitor on the field and an unselfish teammate in the locker room, Lyle always lent a modest helping hand to those in need.

Tony Cloninger, Red Sox pitching coach from 2002-2004, was a consistently positive presence in the bullpen. In 2003, Cloninger underwent a brave battle with cancer. His reliance upon God provided an inspiring example to both the Red Sox and many others that witnessed his response to the disease.

2002 Anthony Pleasant

photo courtesy of AIANE

New England Patriots defensive end Anthony Pleasant received the 2002 Ernie Tavilla Award for his veteran leadership on and off the field. When Pleasant joined the Patriots in 2000, he had already amassed eleven NFL seasons with five different teams. His excellent career and generous personality made him a well-respected figure in the Patriots locker room. Pleasant, nicknamed "AP", often offered advice and leadership to younger players during his three years with the team, and in 2002 was elected defensive captain by his teammates.

In the community, Pleasant spoke vocally on behalf of Teen Challenge, a Christian faith-based program offering biblical solutions to people struggling with life-controlling drug and alcohol problems. Pleasant also participated in DARE and supported special education.

2001 Grant Williams

photo courtesy of AIANE

New England Patriots tackle Grant Williams received the first ever Ernie Tavilla Award in 2001. A strong competitor and a man of great integrity, Williams exemplifies the award's central tenets: character and faith. In the locker room, Williams ministered spiritually to his teammates. In the community, he and his wife, Emily, established a Young Life club to bring the love and hope of Jesus Christ to teenagers in the Foxboro area. And in the home - Williams most passionate arena - Williams was recognized as a devoted husband and father to Emily and their three daughters, Meegan, Madeline and Sarah Elizabeth.

Athletes in Action New England is a tax-deductible, non-profit ministry that operates primarily on funds from generous donors. If you would like to contribute, please make checks payable to Athletes in Action and mail to: 9 Grapevine Avenue, Suite 2, Lexington, MA, 02421