March 1, 2002
LEXINGTON, Ky. -
LEXINGTON, Ky. - The University of Kentucky inducted 28 student-athletes into the Frank G. Ham Society of Character during halftime of the UK-Tennessee men's basketball game, Tuesday, Feb. 19. The gymnastics, men's swimming, women's golf and women's soccer teams each had three members inducted this year while 14 of UK's 22 sports had at least one student-athlete inducted.
The Society of Character is part of the University of Kentucky's CHAMPS/Life Skills Program. It is designed to help student-athletes realize the value of higher academic achievement, a higher level of maturity, self-responsibility and greater overall success. The Society was founded in 1998 to recognize those individuals who epitomize the term "student-athlete." Each candidate is nominated by a counselor, coach, trainer or manager and then evaluated on five criteria:
commitment to academic excellence,
commitment to athletic participation,
commitment to personal development,
commitment to being a role-model, and
commitment to preparing for the world of work.
The mission of the Society of Character is:
to recognize student-athletes who have achieved and continue to achieve a high level in all areas of their life,
to bring together these high achieving student-athletes for interactive programs:
to further enhance the high achieving student-athletes' best interests and well being,
to promote continued interaction with other organizations.
Each candidate nominated for election into the Society of Character must meet the following requirements:
must have completed a minimum of 30 hours prior to nomination,
must have a competitive grade-point average,
must demonstrate a commitment to their academic success as well as to personal development, career development and service activities.
2002 Inductees
Athlete Sport
Derek Abney Football
Simi Adeagbo Track & Field
Karla Adelt Gymnastics
Kelly Anders Women's Golf
John Gordon Beckett Men's Golf
Caleb Brock Baseball
Melinda Buemi Women's Soccer
Sarah Carter Swimming
Sandi Dengler Softball
Crystal Hamilton Rifle
Jennifer Howland Softball
Ilkka Jantti Men's Soccer
David Kuendig Swimming
Jessie Lemp Gymnastics
Christal Mattingly Women's Soccer
Liz McCaslin Volleyball
Cody Nath Swimming
Matt Nilson Swimming
Towa Okiyama Women's Golf
Kristen Pepe Women's Golf
Philip Schardein Men's Golf
Aisha Smith Track & Field
Mindy Smith Gymnastics
Nigel Smith Football
Shannon Stafford Women's Tennis
Marc Theriault Men's Soccer
Beth Wells Women's Soccer
Brian Wilson Track & Field
