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Finalists represent a variety of schools of all sizes and locations
throughout the United States. Award criteria take into consideration
the athlete's conduct both on and off the field. Downing is joined
by Memphis' Rusty Clayton, Ohio State's Doug Datish, Rutgers' Brian
Leonard, Middle Tennessee State's Clint Marks, Lafayette's Brad
Maurer, Oregon State's Joe Newton, Oklahoma State's Darnell Smith,
California's Scott Smith and Utah's Eric Weddle. "The ARA
Sportsmanship Award was created to recognize outstanding character
and leadership as it translates to sportsmanship," said Rich Zydonik,
president of the association. "As expected, each finalist is an
athletic standout and consistently performs on the field. It's
encouraging to see so many of today's collegiate athletes who
consistently conduct themselves in a highly sportsmanlike manner."
In addition to blocking for the Gateway Football Conference's top
passing offense over the last three years, Downing is also a leader
in community service on the Redbird football team, which contributed
1,595 community service hours as a team during the 2005-06 academic
year. Downing is actively involved with the Boys & Girls Club, Just
Read, Harvest of Hope canned food drive, McLean County Disadvantaged
Kids Christmas Party, Washington Elementary playground renovation,
Glenn Elementary recess program and Heritage Manor.
Downing has worked the last three years as a preview guide for
Illinois State's freshman orientation program. He is majoring in
exercise science and carries a 2.99 cumulative grade-point average.
He has been a member of the AFNI Athletics Honor Roll five times and
was a Scholar-Baller during each semester last year.
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 To qualify for the ARA 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.
Former Brigham Young head football coach LaVell Edwards chairs
the selection committee. The 2006 award recipient will be announced
in mid-December.
All NCAA Division I schools were eligible to submit nominations
for the ARA Sportsmanship Award. The finalists were selected in a
blind process. The winner will be selected by a blue-ribbon panel of
former football coaches, sports and media professionals, and
representatives from ARA and other complementary organizations.
The Awards and Recognition
Association is the official sponsor of the ARA Sportsmanship
Award. ARA is a membership organization of 4,000 companies dedicated
to increasing the professionalism of recognition specialists and
advancing the awards and engraving industry.
[News release provided by Todd Kober,
assistant athletics director, media relations,
Illinois
State University]
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