Football | 1/23/2020 3:39:00 PM

SALEM, Va. – Former Savannah State kicker Giovanni Lugo was named the HBCU Spirit of America Bowl Special Teams MVP this past weekend after an outstanding performance in the annual post-season bowl at Salem Football Stadium.

Lugo, playing for the HBCU Pride team alongside former Savannah State teammate defensive back Adorian Beach, set a new bowl record in the game with a 98-yard punt.

"It was great playing with some of the best players in college football," Lugo said. "I also wanted to make my mark at the HBCU Spirit of America Bowl with the NFL scouts there, and I think I did that.

"The 98-yard punt was the longest of my career! I was not only proud of doing well, but proud to represent Savannah State University in the best way I could by showing the high valued talent we have at SSU."

The Belle Grade, Florida native graduated this past December from Savannah State with his Masters in Business Administration after earning a bachelor's degree in Business Marketing in 2018. Currently, he is being recruited by two NFL teams and will be attending a pro day on March 13 in Statesboro, Ga.

On the field, Lugo was a key part of the Tigers successful 2019 season. He led the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) in punting and was ranked 44^th nationally. He was ranked 7^th in the SIAC in field goals per game. The Tigers finished 7-3 and 5-0 in the SIAC.

Lugo was named to the 2019 SIAC All-Conference First Team as a punter and the Second Team as a kicker. During his time at SSU, he was also named to the 2019 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Second Team to the 2016, 2017 and 2018 MEAC All-Academic Honor Rolls.  

In his senior year for Savannah State, Beach had 14 tackles, and 1.0 for a loss, as well as two interceptions. He played cornerback for the Pride team.

The HBCU Spirit of America Bowl and the Dream Bowl were created by Cutting Edge Sports Management to showcase athletes from Historically Black Colleges and Universities all over America. Lugo and Beach played alongside many athletes they faced off against in their college careers.

This year was the eighth annual Dream Bowl and fourth annual HBCU Spirit of America Bowl. Both All-Star Games are "a showcase of the best college football players from across the country and is a celebration of the excellence, commitment and sacrifice and by the players and the families," according to the game's program.

The HBCU Brave team beat the Pride team 18-13 in this year's Spirit of America Bowl.