Kansas Athletics to Honor Student-Athletes at Inaugural Rock Chalk Choice Awards

Aug. 14, 2012

LAWRENCE, Kan. – The best student-athlete performances of the 2011-12 school year – on and off the field of play – will be celebrated by Kansas Athletics at the Rock Chalk Choice Awards, an Academy Awards-like celebration, set for Sept. 9 at the Lied Center of Kansas.

Plans call for a red-carpet entrance followed by a reception before the night’s featured awards ceremony in the Auditorium. Accolades in seven different categories will be unveiled and special student-athlete academic achievements will be recognized throughout the evening. Due to space limitations at the Lied Center the event is by invitation only and limited to athletic department staff, student-athletes, KU faculty and selected dignitaries.

The full-scale production will feature numerous video features and highlights and theatrical opening and closing numbers.

“We’re looking forward to highlighting our academic success as well as introducing new awards that showcase the achievements of our student-athletes in the classroom, in the community and in their respective sports,” Associate Athletics Director for Student-Athlete Development Jane Widger Fulton said.

Kansas student-athletes and teams have been nominated by coaches and their peers for the Jayhawker Award, Best Jayhawk in a Supporting Role, The Crimson Climb Award, True Blue Award and the Rock Chalk Moment Award. Furthermore, a Kansas Male and Female Athlete of the Year will be awarded. Presenters and award nominees will be announced over the next four weeks.

The Jayhawker Award is presented in honor of the pioneers who held true to their values through devastation and hardship while founding the state of Kansas. The nominees of this award must exhibit commitment to Kansas principles and demonstrate mental toughness in the face of adversity and competition while making a positive contribution to Kansas Athletics.

The Best Jayhawk in a Supporting Role Award is presented to a student-athlete who demonstrates extraordinary sportsmanship, support and loyalty to teammates and Kansas Athletics.

The Crimson Climb Award is presented to a student-athlete who has overcome academic challenges and has made consistent academic progress.

The True Blue Award is given to a student-athlete who demonstrates devotion to excellence in academics and athletics while advancing Kansas Athletics through participation in various student organizations and community service projects.

The Rock Chalk Moment Award is presented to the team or individual with the most significant moment from the previous season and the Male and Female Athlete of the Year Awards will be given to one male and female student-athlete who achieved at the highest level during the 2011-12 seasons.