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Trophy Build Page
 

Concept
My first concept included having 4 prominent facades and lowering the football ornament to be at base level. This would serve to better protect the glass, and I could set up a miniature spotlight. My lofty ambition was trumped by practicality. Also, the chipboard model reminded me too much of the Logan Airport control tower.
 
first concept model

 

Design
Armed with a better idea of what I wanted, it was back to the drawing board to work out final dimensions. I maintained a modified version of the 4 facades. Also, in the interest of better protecting the glass, I added 2 half gables on either side of the football. However, I eventually lopped off the two Batman ears.
 
draft and second version

 

Transforming the raw material
Below left is a photo of dad's workbench before it was dismantled. On the right are examples of parts in progressive stages of refinement. I was astonished to find such richly grained wood hidden underneath the rough-hewn and mottled surface.
 
the maple origins

 

Gluing and clamping
No woodworking project of mine would be very fun without a little gluing and clamping along the way.
 
gluing and clamping

 

Final assembly and finishing
I opted to attach the trophy base and the top with screws, rather than glue. The football frame was also screwed on as well. For a finish I applied multiple thin layers of artist's stand oil. This clear oil really brings out the wood grain, and dries to a low gloss luster.