Stoughton, OA Football Players Honored with Mosi Tatupu Scholarship

When former Patriots players Roland James and Steve Nelson began to receive applications for this year's Mosi Tatupu Memorial Scholarship, they were searching for one area high school football player who embodied important values held by their old friend and teammate.

This year, though, the two could not decide on just one.

"This year was a little unique because in the beginning we wanted to come out with one, but after going over and reading the history of those two young men we couldn’t do it, so we ended up giving them both the award," said James.

Stoughton's and Oliver Ames' William Greene both received $5,000 scholarships Monday at Patriot Place in Foxborough. The awards are intended to "provide tuition assistance to young athletes with learning challenges who exemplify the outstanding qualities that characterize the heart and soul of Tatupu."

Nelson and James chose the premise behind the scholarship based on Tatupu's work with children with learning disabilities and his work with the PAL (Peer Assistance and Leadership) program at Curry College, where he was also a football coach. Tatupu passed away in February of 2010.

While Greene and Berkowitz were rivals on the field, they said Monday that they are friendly off the field. According to James, they both share similar characteristics as well.

"You could read about their passion for the game and their struggles and amount of work that they put in to achieve where they are today," he said. "When you see young men out there doing the types of things that these two men have done, you can’t help but be impressed by it."

Both Greene and Berkowitz will be playing Division 3 college football in the fall. Berkowitz will attend Bridgewater State University and Greene will be attend Westfield State University.

Both agreed that hard work and staying "well-rounded" got them to where they are today.

"Its not only about playing football," said Berkowitz. "It’s about responsibility and keeping your grades up. I work a few jobs and I’m very proud of myself with work and school – they’re both big parts of my life – so managing both things is important."

Berkowitz works at Walgreens and for an electrical company. He is also a camp counselor. Greene was a Brockton Enterprise All Scholastic, and a Hockomock League All-Star. He was also a

Berkowitz and Greene both said they were humbled to receive an award in honor of Tatupu.

"I know he was an amazing player and a very hard worker," said Berkowitz.

"It was an awesome honor," Greene added.