Sport news

Wildcat receiver noted for his gracious style on and off the field

Purple Pride runs deep today with the announcement of Northwestern University’s receiver, Eric Peterman, as recipient of this year’s ARA Sportsmanship Award, presented by the Awards and Recognition Association (ARA) http://www.arasportsmanshipaward.com/.

The award was presented by renowned Brigham Young University football coach LaVell Edwards.

“The ARA Sportsmanship Award is the only national award that recognizes an athlete’s character and leadership as it translates to sportsmanship,” said Cathy Garcia, president of the ARA. I am thrilled that this year’s winner continues our tradition of recognizing outstanding young men who exemplify the best in sports and life.”

“Our blue ribbon panel sifted through no shortage of stand out Bowl Division players this year,” said Coach Edwards, “but Peterman rose to the top with his honest, understated approach on and off the field. He’s an all- around class act. We’re all deeply honored to name him the 2008 recipient of the ARA Sportsmanship Award.

“We look for players that have integrity in their game and in their lives and there’s no finer example than Eric,” added Edwards.

A smart, versatile, standout receiver and significant contributor, Peterman has won athletic accolades and praises and, has earned impressive stats. The Wildcat owns a 12.6 yards per reception career average and began his final year ranked 16th on NU’s all-time receiving yardage list with 1,274 yards.

Off of the field, he has made, and continues to make, an impact. He serves on the Northwestern Football Leadership Council and Student Athlete Advisory Council Committee; volunteers with community service events and departmental peer mentor programs; and is one of four representatives of the educational APPLE/athletic prevention program for improving substance abuse. He’s actively involved with the McCormick Student Advisory Board, as part of the School of Engineering, where he has a 3.229 GPA. He also is a member of the peer mentor group for the football team.

The ARA Sportsmanship Award is presented to the NCAA Bowl Division collegiate football player who most exemplifies sportsmanship on and off the field. Peterman, 22, was selected from 10 finalists representing schools across the country.

Previous winners are former Washington State quarterback Alex Brink (2007), St. Louis Rams running back Brian Leonard (2006) and Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams (2005).

To qualify, athletes must be a senior starting player or significant team contributor who has demonstrated respect for competitors, school, teammates, coaches and the community.

The Awards and Recognition Association is the official sponsor of the ARA Sportsmanship Award. ARA is a membership organization of 4,000 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, visit http://www.arasportsmanshipaward.com/. For more information about ARA, visit http://www.ara.org/.

EMU to present NBA great George Gervin with honorary bachelor’s degree

The Iceman is back! George Gervin, NBA Hall of Famer and former Eastern Michigan University basketball star, will receive an honorary bachelor’s degree Saturday, Dec. 20, during halftime of the EMU Men’s Basketball game at 4 p.m. at the Convocation Center against St. Bonaventure University.

The event is part of an afternoon of basketball action as the EMU women’s team will also take on the University of Detroit at 2 p.m. Only one ticket is needed for admission to both games.

“We are very excited to welcome George Gervin back to EMU,” said Dr. Derrick Gragg, EMU’s Director of Athletics. “It is our pleasure to honor him with an honorary Bachelor’s degree. His story is a great example of how a person can see the world and have a positive influence on so many lives on so many levels.”

Gervin is a nine-time NBA All-Star known for his scoring abilities. He is remembered by his signature finger-roll and making most of his shots seem easy. Gervin averaged 29.5 points as a sophomore at EMU and at least 21 points in 12 professional seasons making more than half of his NBA field goal attempts.

Gervin is scheduled to speak with both the men’s and women’s basketball teams during his visit to EMU. Additionally, EMU will be giving away autographed George Gervin posters to the first 1,500 people to enter the Convocation Center.

“Many of our players are knowledgeable about him as one of the NBA’s 50 Greatest Players of all-time,” said Gragg.

Tickets for EMU men’s basketball games are $9 for adults and $7 for youth. Groups of 10 or more can purchase tickets at the group rate of $3. Tickets can be purchased by calling 734.487.2282 or visiting www.emueagles.com .

Source: Eastern Michigan University

A special edition of USA TODAY Sports Weekly devoted to this season’s college football bowls hits newsstands today. The College Football Bowls Preview edition provides sports fans with all the information they need to enjoy the 34 bowls played between December 20th and January 8th.

The 48-page special edition includes:

• An in-depth look at elite quarterbacks Sam Bradford of Oklahoma and Tim Tebow of Florida who’ll try to lead their teams to the national championship on January 8th.

• A bowl-by-bowl breakdown of the gifts bowl participants receive.

• A week-by-week season in review looking at how teams jockeyed for the No. 1 ranking.

• Predictions from USA TODAY experts.

• Analysis of all 34 bowls, with rosters of starters, season results and, for major bowls, a look at who has the edge in various offensive and defensive categories.

The Sports Weekly College Football Bowls Preview edition will be on sale at select newsstands nationally through January 7 at a cover price of $4.95. The issue can be ordered by calling 1-800-872-5149 or by visiting www.usatodayservice.com/specialeditions. Sports Weekly publishes special editions throughout the year covering special events in the world of sports.

USA TODAY Sports Weekly covers baseball and football with detailed analysis and in-depth cover stories on the players and issues that shape two of the most popular sports in America. There is no off-season for Sports Weekly - readers will find complete coverage in all 52 issues throughout the year. USA TODAY Sports Weekly is published by Gannett Co., Inc..