Oct. 8, 2002
Lexington, Ky. – University of Kentucky offensive tackle Antonio Hall has been named to the American Football Coaches Association Good Works Team for 2002. The team honors those athletes who show exceptional dedication to community service and to the betterment of the communities in which they live.
Hall, who is also a member of the SEC Good Works Team, was chosen because of his involvement with UK’s “Cats That Care” service program. He participates in UK’s Excel Mentor Program, meeting with a high school student each week to encourage academic success and personal growth, is a guest speaker at various schools and churches around Kentucky, and has been a frequent visitor to UK Children’s Hospital.
Hall also was a quality candidate after creating and implementing the Complete College Experience, a one-day mentoring program that gave middle school students a chance to experience the benefits of college before they undergo the peer pressures and rigorous demands of high school. The mentoring program promotes the importance of continuing education and athletics, providing a glimpse of the real college experience.
“Being a student-athlete isn’t just about playing the sport,” Hall said. “I realized that I can influence others not just by doing well athletically, but by being the best all-around person that I can be. Giving back to the community is something I love to do and this honor means a lot to me.”
The two 11-man teams, NCAA Division I-A and a combined team from NCAA Divisions I-AA, II, III, and the NAIA, honor players for their dedication and commitment to community service. From 1992-1996, the Good Works Team was selected by the College Football Association. When the CFA disbanded in 1997, the AFCA took over the award. The individuals who make up these teams have a strong appreciation for community involvement and service.
Nominations were submitted to the AFCA by college sports information departments. Nominees had to be actively involved and committed to working with a charitable organization, service group or other community service activities. Candidates had to display sincere concern and reliability, while also having made a favorable impression on the organizations with which they were involved. Athletic ability was not a criterion.
Hall is the sixth Wildcat chosen for the national Good Works Team, joining previous honorees Leon Smith (1994), Kurt Supe (1996), Jimmy Carter (1998), Seth Hanson (1999), and Matt Layow (2000).
