June 25, 2007
TEMPE, Ariz. - The Arizona State women's basketball team was one of seven recipients of the Pat Tillman Community Leadership Awards as announced by KTAR 620 Sports and The Leadership Consortium. Also among the award recipients was former ASU men's tennis player Ryan McBride.
The awards are named in honor of Pat Tillman, the ASU alumnus and Arizona Cardinals football player who was tragically killed in the line of duty in Afghanistan. They recognize individuals, who have demonstrated courage of their convictions and served as excellent role models for youth, and organizations, which have worked to enhance the relationship among athletes, sports organizations.
 Ryan McBride  |
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In the past year members of the ASU women's basketball team - both players and coaches - have participated in more than 220 hours of community service. Community endeavors the team has participated in within the past year include the FITBONES Hot Shot Team Challenge, an event in conjunction with the Arizona Osteoporosis Coalition which raises awareness about Osteoporosis; the Hoops for Health Classic, the second ever outdoor women's basketball game between ASU and Texas Tech, which included a health expo and many activities geared toward making people aware about making healthier choices; and "Sparky's Kids to College Field Trip," a game between ASU and UCLA, which was attended by more than 5,000 fourth-, fifth- and sixth-grade students from around Maricopa County.
In addition to the awards for the ASU women's basketball team and McBride, other 2007 award winners included: Shane Doan, Phoenix Coyotes, and Taitusi "Duce" Lutui, Arizona Cardinals (Individuals: Professional Athletes); Ryan McBride and Amber Rose Horvath (Individuals: Amateur or student); Turnbow Foundation (Organizations); and Connie Harris (Lifetime Achievement).
The seven winners will be recognized at the KTAR Presents Linking Sports and Communities Banquet Hosted by Outback Steakhouse on September 24 at Chase Field. Jeff Moorad of the Arizona Diamondbacks is Chair of the Host Committee for the event. The keynote speakers will be Rod Graves of the Arizona Cardinals, and Laurel Prieb of Major League Baseball, while Gambo and Ash of KTAR will be emcees. Proceeds from the event will benefit TLC, an Arizona 501 (c) (3), and the Pat Tillman Foundation. For more information or to order banquet tickets, visit www.ktar.com or www.linkingsports.com or call TLC at 602-763-9900.