KU'S Thorson Recognized As Community of Champions Honoree

Oct. 27, 2010

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas football senior Brad Thorson was named as a Big 12 Conference Fall Chick-Fil-A Community of Champions honoree it was announced by the league office Wednesday.

Thorson, a two-year starter on the offensive line, has been one of KU’s most involved community service student-athletes. The transfer from Wisconsin has already earned a degree in business and is working on a master’s degree in economics.

Thorson is an Allstate AFCA Good Works Team nominee. Among the numerous community service activities he is involved with are Habitat for Humanity, Special Olympics and visiting elementary school classrooms. Last spring, Thorson donated his hair to Pantene, an organization which produces wigs for cancer patients.

During the fall, winter and spring terms, one student-athlete from each institution will be honored based on the following criteria:

Academics: An academic standard of a 3.00 grade point average or higher must be maintained.

Community Service: The designated student-athlete should be involved with at least one community service program. The program(s) could be a student organization on campus or within the athletics department.

Leadership/Sportsmanship: The student-athlete should demonstrate leadership and sportsmanship on and off the field.

The institution of the student-athletes on this list will be awarded $3,000 each year from Chick-fil-A for their efforts.

2010 FALL CHICK-FIL-A COMMUNITY OF CHAMPIONS

Name, Class, School, Sport

Lindsey Johnson, Sr., Baylor,Soccer

Andy Wacker, Jr., Colorado, Men’s Cross Country/Track & Field

Michael O’Connell, Sr., Iowa State, Football

Brad Thorson, Sr., Kansas, Football

Sierra Cuda, Jr., Kansas State, Rowing

Alysha Bonnick, Sr., Missouri, Soccer

Blaine Hoppenrath, Sr., Nebraska, Women’s Swimming

Danielle Robinson, Sr., Oklahoma, Women’s Basketball

Elizabeth DeLozier, Jr., Oklahoma State, Soccer

Betzy Jimenez, Sr., Texas, Women’s Track & Field

Skylar Collins, Jr., Texas A&M, Women’s Basketball

Aleah Hayes, So., Texas Tech, Volleyball