Previous Recipients

2011
Barrett Jones
University of Alabama

2010
Sam Acho
University of Texas

2009
Jeron Mastrud
Kansas State University

2008
Eric Peterman
Northwestern University

2007
Alex Brink
Washington State

2006
Brian Leonard
Rutgers University

2005
DeAngelo Williams
University of Memphis

ARA Sportsmanship Award Recipients

2012
Manti Te'o
Linebacker, University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame University has another first place under its belt now that the winner of the 2012 Awards and Recognition Association Sportsmanship Award has been revealed – the association is proud to announce Notre Dame linebacker, Manti Te’o is this year’s award recipient.

“Te'o blew us away and that is saying a lot,” said LaVell Edwards, the award-winning retired Brigham Young University head football coach and chairman of the Awards and Recognition Association Sportsmanship Award selection committee. “This is our eighth year for the award and we continue to see outstanding candidates that are redefining sportsmanship and taking it to the next level. Te’o’s performance on the field is unparalled, but it was his work as a conscientious student and citizen who gives back that made him this year’s winner.”

“Given annually to one outstanding NCAA Division I collegiate football player who best personifies the spirit of sportsmanship, the Awards and Recognition Association Sportsmanship Award is the only national award that recognizes an athlete's character as it relates to sportsmanship," Edwards said.

Te’o has worked hard to earn numerous prestigious academic and athletic accolades while simultaneously demonstrating quiet humility on and off of the field. From his humble beginnings in Hawaii to volunteering at homeless shelters during his college summer vacations, to helping serve as a positive role model for local underprivileged youth, he takes time to help those less fortunate.

"The award's sponsor, The Awards and Recognition Association, is honored to present this accolade to such a deserving young athlete," said Association president Lori Warren, CRM. “Each year we are impressed by the caliber of nominees and this year is no exception; Te’o is a true example of what we believe sportsmanship should exemplify.”

ARA has a membership of 2,600 businesses internationally working within the recognition industry. The association's objective in sponsoring the award is to recognize an outstanding example of sportsmanship with a desire to promote the practice of sportsmanship in all levels of competition.