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

AthleteSportDerek AbneyFootballSimidele AdeagboTrack & FieldKarla AdeltGymnasticsKelly AndersWomen’s GolfJohn Gordon BeckettMen’s GolfCaleb BrockBaseballMelinda BuemiWomen’s SoccerSarah CarterSwimmingSandi DenglerSoftballCrystal HamiltonRifleJennifer HowlandSoftballIlkka JanttiMen’s SoccerDavid KuendigSwimmingJessie LempGymnasticsChristal Mattingly Women’s SoccerLiz McCaslinVolleyballCody Nath SwimmingMatt NilsonSwimmingTowa OkiyamaWomen’s GolfKristen PepeWomen’s GolfPhilip SchardeinMen’s GolfAisha SmithTrack & FieldMindy SmithGymnasticsNigel SmithFootballShannon StaffordWomen’s TennisMarc TheriaultMen’s SoccerBeth WellsWomen’s SoccerBrian WilsonTrack & Field