The results are in for this year’s top 10 finalists for the Awards and Recognition Association (ARA) seventh annual sportsmanship award www.arasportsmanshipaward.com, given to one outstanding NCAA Division I collegiate football player who best personifies the spirit of sportsmanship.
The 2011 Sportsmanship Award recipient will be chosen from 10 finalists and announced this November. “This year’s candidates are an outstanding bunch, there is no shortage of positive role-model athletes,” according to former Brigham Young University Head Football Coach LaVell Edwards who chairs the selection committee.
Previous winners are Arizona Cardinals and former University of Texas defensive end, Sam Acho (2010); Miami Dolphin and former Kansas State University tight end, Jeron Mastrud (2009), Chicago Bears and former Northwestern University receiver Eric Peterman (2008); Winnipeg Blue Bombers and former Washington State quarterback Alex Brink (2007); Cincinnati Bengels and former Rutgers University fullback, Brian Leonard (2006) and, Carolina Panthers and former University of Memphis running back, DeAngelo Williams (2005).
The 2011 finalists, in alphabetical order are:
- Ben Boothby, University of Northern Iowa
- Drew Butler, University of Georgia
- Austin Davis, University of Southern Mississippi
- Gilbert “Chaz” Hine, University of Southern Florida
- Stuart Hines, University of Kentucky
- Barrett Jones, University of Alabama
- Jared Karstetter, Washington State University
- Cory Leman, Eastern Illinois University
- Adam Replogle, Indiana University
- David Ruffer, University of Notre Dame
To qualify for the award, an athlete must be a starting player or significant contributor on his team; be in good academic standing; demonstrate great respect for competitors, school, teammates and coaches; show an ability to accept victory and defeat graciously; convey a high degree of humility and integrity; and demonstrate commitment in the classroom and to the community.
Along with LaVell Edwards, the other members of the committee include (for a full list, go to arasportsmanshipaward.com):
- Bobby Bowden (Florida State)
- Fisher DeBerry (Air Force Academy)
- Spike Dykes (Texas Tech)
- Don James (Washington)
- Dick MacPherson (Syracuse)
- Don Nehlen (West Virginia)
- Tubby Raymond (Delaware)
- Gene Stallings (Alabama)
- Ted Tollner (University of Southern California)
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