Spencer Nelson Named a Finalist for the John Wooden Trophy

Oct. 26, 2004

 

LOGAN, Utah - Spencer Nelson, a senior forward on Utah State's men's basketball team, has been named one of 24 finalists nationally for the John Wooden Trophy, which is presented by Athletes for a Better World. Student-athletes from all intercollegiate sports are eligible for this award.

 

In order to be nominated for the John Wooden Trophy, the athlete must train with a disciplined, consistent work ethic; demonstrate fair play and sportsmanship; develop positive supportive relationships with teammates and coaches; win or lose with grace and dignity; and contribute to society through the gifts of time or money.

 

Nelson, a native of Pocatello, Idaho, earned his bachelor's degree in accounting from Utah State in the spring of 2004 and is currently enrolled in the master's of business administration program at Utah State. Nelson is actively involved in numerous organizations on campus and in the community, including Aggie Ambassadors, Utah State's student-athlete outreach program, along with being involved in SAM's (student-athlete mentor program) and Utah State's NCAA CHAMPS/Life Skills program.

 

"Obviously, this is a tremendous honor for Spencer to be nominated for such a prestigious award," said Utah State head men's basketball coach Stew Morrill. "John Wooden has always exemplified class and that word certainly describes Spencer. He is the perfect example of what everyone in college athletics wants when using the term student-athlete. In all aspects of his life he represents himself, our program, and Utah State University in a very positive manner."

 

The trophy is presented annually to the intercollegiate and professional athlete or coach that most exemplifies the Code for Living as selected by the national board of directors of Athletes for a Better World.

 

Twelve finalists will be selected from the original 24 later this week. Balloting will conclude in November and the three finalists will attend a banquet in Los Angeles on Jan. 10, 2005 where the national winner will be announced.

 

Nelson was named the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Utah State Chapter Collegiate Male Athlete of the Year in September and is a two-time academic all-Big West Conference selection. He was also named a second-team all-Big West selection in 2004 and has twice been voted by the league's coaches as the Hustle Player of the Year in the conference.

 

For more Aggie athletic news see the Utah State Athletics Web site.