GLENVIEW, IL– The Awards and Recognition Association’s Sportsmanship Award committee (
www.arasportsmanshipaward.com) announces has announced the newest members of their blue ribbon panel selection team, with CoSIDA Executive Director John Humenik among the newest members of this elite ARA panel.
As the only national award that focuses on sportsmanship, the ARA National Sportsmanship Award stands out as unique among the millions of sports trophies presented to athletes. The ARA Sportsmanship Award is presented annually to an NCAA Division I college football player who exemplifies sportsmanship both on and off the field.
Joining the ARA Sportsmanship Award Committee, led by former BYU coach LaVell Edwards, are: famed Florida State University coach, Bobby Bowden; Pro Football Weekly’s Hub Arkush; Ted Miller
of ESPN and Humenik. Also joining the group is Jeron Mastrud, the 2009 recipient of the Sportsmanship Award (see photo, left).
To qualify for the ARA Sportsmanship Award, the football student-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.
The first award winner, announced in December 2005, was University of Memphis running back DeAngelo Williams.
Click here for information on all past recipients.
“We’ve assembled the A-team for choosing sportsmanship standouts for our annual award,” stated B.J. Bailey, Jr., of CRS, of Action Trophies & Awards, and president of the ARA. “These individuals represent the best of the best in terms of sports, football and talent for their game. We’re simply thrilled to have them on the ARA team.”
ARA’s selection committee, chaired by Edwards, includes former collegiate and professional coaches and others, including: Spike Dykes (Texas Tech), Don James (Washington), Dick MacPherson (Syracuse), Don Nehlen (West Virginia), Tubby Raymond (Delaware), Gene Stallings (Alabama), Christine Brennan (USA Today), Steve Hatchell (President, the National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame), Bernie Kish (Former Executive Director, College Football Hall of Fame), Lisa Klunder (Executive Director, College Football Hall of Fame), Grant Teaff (Executive Director, American Football Coaches Association), Eric Peterman (Northwestern, 2008 recipient), and Alex Brink (Washington State, 2007 recipient).
The Awards and Recognition Association is the official sponsor of the ARA Sportsmanship Award. ARA is a membership organization of 3,000 companies dedicated to increasing the professionalism of recognition specialists and advancing the awards and engraving industry. The ARA is headquartered in Glenview, Ill.
For more information about the award, ARA Sportsmanship Award video highlights and more, visit