Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholars 2002 10th Annual Awards: giving it their best shot - Special Report - Brief Article

Black Issues in Higher Education, April 11, 2002

Excelling in academics, athletics and service to the community is a challenge that very few student-athletes can master. The late tennis great Arthur Ashe Jr. mastered all three, which is why Black Issues In Higher Education established the Sports Scholar Award in his honor. This annual recognition by Black Issues In Higher Education honors undergraduate students of color who exemplify the standards set by Ashe, who died in 1993. Each year we invite every postsecondary institution in the country to participate in this awards program by nominating their outstanding student-athletes. In addition to their athletic ability, students named Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholars must exhibit academic excellence as well as community activism.

To be included, students have to compete in an intercollegiate sport; mainrain a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.2; and be active on their campuses or in their communities.

On the following pages are many student-athletes who are giving academics and athletics their best shot--and succeeding. Two of these scholar-athletes --gymnast Carlla Johnson of the University of Maryland at College Park and a native of Richmond, Va., Arthur Ashe's hometown--and Wofford College halfback Ben Foster were selected as Sports Scholars of the Year to represent the standards of scholarship, athleticism and humanitarianism.

Black Issues In Higher Education salutes Carlla and Ben and all of the 2002 Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholars. The honorees are listed alphabetically and within teams on the following pages.