Colorado State University Athletics
CSU student-athletes encouraged to Be Bold
8/25/2013 12:00:00 AM | General
Aug 25, 2013
With classes set to resume Monday morning, the Colorado State athletic department and its nearly 400 student-athletes met Sunday afternoon at Moby Arena. Athletic director Jack Graham used the time to cover pertinent information, but also to celebrate those who have succeeded over the last year.
As per usual, Graham covered CSU athletics' mantra, "`Do it all,'" which includes being a good citizen in the community, graduating and excelling in one's field of play.
There was plenty to celebrate, as more than 120 student-athletes earned All-Mountain West honors for academic success this past year. Continuing a tradition started last fall, four student-athletes earned iPads for holding a cumulative GPA above 3.75, with at least 60 credits completed--Alex Muntefering (track & field), Katie Polich (swimming & diving), Christina Spinzig (women's golf) and Kara Spotton (women's basketball). Additionally, Ashlie Ortega (softball) and Dwight Smith (men's basketball) were rewarded with iPads for having the highest GPA improvement over the course of the year.
Showing its commitment to academics, deputy athletic director John Morris gave out the second installment of Ram Tags, which began this spring and are awarded to student-athletes who are on the Athletic Director's Honor Roll (3.25 or higher). Each semester a student-athlete is on the honor roll, they receive an additional tag, ranging from bronze to silver to gold. Student-athletes also received Under Armour T-shirts with the statement, "Be Bold," which Graham says has replaced the "Bold New Era" tag. Written below is, "Think big, work hard" and on the back, "settle for nothing less than excellence."
The meeting also allowed the department to celebrate success in the other two categories. The women's volleyball team won a fourth consecutive Mountain West championship and advanced to an 18th straight NCAA tournament, while the men's basketball team won its first NCAA tournament game since 1989. Among other highlights, five individuals were named All-Americans. A video was shown, highlighting the athletic success, both past (Glenn Morris, Amy Van Dyken, etc.) and present.
Morris also saluted many student-athletes who have done great work in the community, including football's Mason Myers, who pulled people from the rubble after a deadly tornado hit his hometown in Moore, Okla., this past May, and Bernard Blake, who has volunteered for Respite Care, in addition to speaking to and support local flag football teams.
Blake said in a statement, "It's a blessing to be a blessing," which Morris encouraged all student-athletes to take on.
