Nov. 14, 2007

HOUSTON, Texas - University of Houston senior wide receiver Jordan Brown was named on Wednesday one of 10 finalists for the Awards and Recognition Association (ARA) 2007 Sportsmanship Award, as it was announced by the ARA offices in Glenview, Ill.

The award is given to one outstanding NCAA Division I collegiate football player who best personifies the spirit of sportsmanship.

A three-year letterman for the Cougars, Brown originally came to Houston as a walk-on quarterback, but earned a scholarship as a wide receiver and holder on special teams.. In addition to maintaining a 4.0 grade point average during football season, Brown leads a local chapter for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and dedicates his time to community outreach activities.

Former Brigham Young University Head Football Coach LaVell Edwards chairs the committee that selects college athletes who exemplify sportsmanship. Last year's winner, Rutgers University fullback Brian Leonard went on to play for the St. Louis Rams.

The 2007 Sportsmanship Award recipient will be chosen from one of the ten finalists (listed below) and announced this December. Finalists represent a variety of schools of all sizes and locations throughout the United States and award criteria take into consideration the athlete's conduct both on and off the field.

"ARA's Sportsmanship Award is the only national award that recognizes an athlete's character and leadership as it translates to sportsmanship," said Ed Hunt, president of the ARA. "Our panel looks for players that stand out and contribute when playing and in life. It's encouraging to see so many of today's collegiate athletes who consistently conduct themselves in a highly sportsmanlike manner."

ARA Sportsmanship finalists are chosen by a panel that includes retired coaches including Don Nehlen (West Virginia), Dick MacPherson (Syracuse) Vince Dooley (Georgia), Gene Stallings (Alabama), Tubby Raymond (Delaware), Spike Dykes (Texas Tech), Don James (Washington) and Ted Tollner (San Diego State and USC) along with sports and media professionals and representatives from ARA and other organizations.

To qualify for the award, an athlete must be a starting player or significant contributor on his team, be a senior 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 other finalist include Alex Brink (QB) Washington State; Quentin Groves (DE) Auburn; Jacob Gutierrez (RB) Oklahoma; Dionte Johnson (FB) Ohio State; Thomas Keith (LB) Central Michigan; Micah Rucker (WR) Eastern Illinois; Jarrid Smith (OG) Florida Atlantic; Jeremy Thompson (DE) Wake Forest; and, Robert Valletti (LT) Iona College.

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