2010 National ARA Sportsmanship Award Goes to Texas Longhorn Defensive End Sam Acho

GLENVIEW, Ill., Dec. 1, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- The eyes of Texas and the rest of the U.S. are smiling on University of Texas Longhorns' defensive end Sam Acho today as he's announced as the 2010 recipient of the ARA Sportsmanship Award, presented by the Awards and Recognition Association (ARA) www.arasportsmanshipaward.com.  

The ARA Sportsmanship Award is the only national award that recognizes an athlete's character as it relates to sportsmanship and is presented to the NCAA Bowl Division I collegiate football player who most exemplifies sportsmanship on and off the field.  

Previous winners are Kansas State University tight end, Jeron Mastrud (2009); Northwestern University receiver Eric Peterman (2008); Washington State quarterback Alex Brink (2007); Cincinnati Bengals fullback Brian Leonard (2006); and Carolina Panthers running back, DeAngelo Williams (2005).

"Led by Brigham Young University's LaVell Edwards with Florida State's Bobby Bowden and Texas Tech's Spike Dykes; our blue ribbon panel of retired coaches and sports experts had their work cut out for them with so many outstanding candidates," said Bailey.  

"There's no question that Acho was a standout, even in this extremely deep pool of athletes, with a positive approach to the game and life," said LaVell Edwards, former BYU head coach and ARA selection committee chair.  "His skills as a defensive end are justly earning him praises, but it was his lead-by-example behavior off the field that caught our attention. He's an unselfish player and person willing to go above and beyond."

The Dallas native, defensive end and senior is a double major in business (honors program) and marketing; earning academic and athletic accolades.  Described by his coaches, fellow players and students as a competitor with class, motivator who's humble and honest, and leader by example; he's said to treat everyone with respect and integrity.  He has praises and prayers for his team mates and opponents after games, gives credit to those around him and works with new players to carry on traditions.  

Off the field Acho's time and talents include traveling every summer to with his brother and team mate Emmanuel, and father to Nigeria on family medical mission trips.  He invites teammates along to help and give back.  He has also given his time as a member or helping with the numerous organizations and causes.  For more information about the Sam Acho or the award, visit www.arasportsmanshipaward.com.  

SOURCE Awards and Recognition Association