GLENVIEW, Ill. – Eastern Illinois senior linebacker Cory Leman has been named one of ten finalists for the ARA (Awards and Recognition Association) Sportsmanship Award which is given to one outstanding NCAA Division I collegiate football player who best personifies the spirit of sportsmanship.

Leman will be playing his final home game at O'Brien Field this Saturday when the Panthers host Tennessee State at 1:30 p.m.  Leman currently leads the Panthers in tackles and moved into the EIU career top ten on Saturday at Austin Peay as his career total stands at 306.  Leman is a four-year starter for EIU and this season was elected a team captain.  He is a semifinalist for the William Campbell Trophy announced earlier this fall.

The 2011 Sportsmanship Award recipient will be chosen from 10 finalists and announced this November.  “This year's candidates are an outstanding bunch, there is no shortage of positive role-model athletes,” according to former Brigham Young University Head Football Coach LaVell Edwards who chairs the selection committee.

The 2011 finalists, in alphabetical order are: Ben Boothby of Northern Iowa, Drew Butler of Georgia, Austin Davis of Southern Mississippi, Chaz Hine of South Florida, Stuart Hines of Kentucky, Barrett Jones of Alabama, Jared Karstetter of Washington State, Cory Leman of Eastern Illinois, Adam Replogle of Indiana and David Ruffer of Notre Dame.

To qualify for the award, an athlete must be a starting player or significant contributor on his team; be in good academic standing; demonstrate great respect for competitors, school, teammates and coaches; show an ability to accept victory and defeat graciously; convey a high degree of humility and integrity; and demonstrate commitment in the classroom and to the community. 

For more details, visit www.arasportsmanshipaward.com