Local ASPIRE Beverage Company Launches New Program to Recognize Minnesota Top-Performing High School Student Athletes

EDINA, MN, Sept. 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, ASPIRE Beverage Company announced a new program that will recognize the top-performing high school athletes in Minnesota with selection criteria that honors "greatness" demonstrated by high school seniors in four areas: athletics, academics, community involvement and character. The ASPIRE Athlete of the Week program will run throughout the entire school year.

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Going forward, the ASPIRE Athlete of the Week finalists will be announced each week during the High School Sports Rally program on WCCO4 TV on Friday nights. A poll for voting on the five weekly semi-finalists will be posted on the ASPIRE Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AspireBeverageCompany. The ASPIRE Athlete of the week semi-finalists and finalists will also be featured each week on the This Week in High School Sports program on ESPN 1500 on Saturday mornings and afternoons, Rosen's Sports Sunday program on WCCO4 TV on Sunday evenings, Prep Playbook program on K-TWIN 96.3 on weekdays, and various other high school sports programs on The Ticket 105.1, WCCO 830, SPORT NGIN, StarTribune and other media outlets.

The athletic directors at all Minnesota high schools are invited to nominate one student-athlete from their school(s) each week. Nominations can be submitted by athletic directors online via the ASPIRE Athlete of the Week Web site at www.ASPIREbeverages.com/athleteoftheweek from 9:00AM on Saturday to Noon on Tuesday each week.

"The leading brand sports drinks focus most of their attention on professional sports but we are focused on high school and youth athletes," said John Montague, Co-Founder and Chief Aspiration Officer at ASPIRE Beverage Company, "Our ASPIRE Athlete of the Week program will provide well-deserved recognition and rewards to the top high school student-athletes in Minnesota during their senior year."

The five-semi-finalists in week #1 of the ASPIRE Athlete of the Week program are:

1. Keaton Studsrud Benilde St. Margaret's HS, Football:  Studsrud helped lead his team to a 43-16 win over North Suburban rival Robbinsdale Cooper. He delivered four touchdown passes en-route to an impressive performance. (14-24-265-0-4). Known as a dual threat quarterback, he rushed for 80 yards in racking 345 yards total offense.  He is praised by his coaches, teachers and teammates as a humble leader both on and off the field. Keaton is also actively involved with the Courage Center, assisting people with disabilities.

2. Selena Pena Fridley HS, Soccer:  Pena continued her point streak for the Tigers as she delivered 5 goals and 3 assists this past week to lead her soccer team to their fourth straight win. Selena is a strong student and an excellent teammate. She is a hard worker and leads by example in all activities in and out of school.    

3. Alyssa Goehner Lakeville North HS, Volleyball:  The reigning 2012 Star Tribune Metro player of the year is back for her senior year and leading her team to a 5-1 start this year as they look to earn back-to-back State Class 3A Titles. Alyssa is also a dedicated student and diligent learner. She demonstrates leadership on the court and in the classroom. Her teammates describe her as someone that makes everyone around her better.  

4. Emily Bauer Coon Rapids HS, Tennis:  Bauer, a four year letter winner on the court, also gets it done in the classroom.  The two-time Northwest Suburban All-Conference player has never had anything lower than an A- and is leading her team to a fast start to the season. Emily is a top tennis player, exceptional student, active in the community and person of impeccable character.

5. Jack Cripes Apple Valley HS, Cross Country:  Entering their senior season, the Eagle distance runner has worked his way back from surgery on his both legs from April.  Cripes spent countless hours recovering to his pre-surgery form.  His motto is to "never give up and fight to the finish line." He has also demonstrated this great work ethic and perseverance in school. He is a true "aspiring" person with ambition and determination in areas of his life.

The all-natural ASPIRE FIRE, ICE and STORM sports drinks were launched in the Twin Cities in May of 2013 and they have quickly become the beverage of choice for athletes, teams, associations and schools throughout Minnesota. The list of high schools that have already adopted ASPIRE includes Edina, Wayzata, Blake, Minnehaha Academy, Maple Grove, Chaska, Robbinsdale Cooper, Buffalo, Fridley, Big Lake, Tartan, Irondale, Moundsview, Mound Westonka, Woodbury, East Ridge, Park, Forest Lake, St. Francis, Osseo, Burnsville, Centennial East and West, Delano and Orono. The drinks are also currently available at Holiday Station Stores, Lunds, Byerly's, Kowalski's, Lakewinds, Fresh Seasons and other retailers.

About ASPIRE Beverage Company

ASPIRE Beverage Company manufactures products to improve the health and performance of athletes including the all-natural FIRE, ICE and STORM sports drinks. We define athletes as anyone with a body. ASPIRE: It's the radical idea of striving for better in an increasingly cynical and competitive world. Aspire to greatness. More information is available at www.ASPIREbeverages.com.

Contact:
Kristin Surdez
[email protected]
Ph: (612) 600-1289

SOURCE ASPIRE Beverage Company