Northwestern University Athletics
Eric Peterman Wins ARA Sportsmanship Award
12/17/2008 12:00:00 AM | Football
Dec. 17, 2008
Official ARA Sportsmanship Award Release 
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern senior wide receiver Eric Peterman (Sherman, Ill./Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin) has been named the 2008 Awards and Recognition Association (ARA) Sportsmanship Award winner, announced today (Dec. 17) during a news conference at the Nicolet Football Center by ARA president Cathy Garcia and selection committee chairman LaVell Edwards.
On the field, Peterman is Northwestern's 2008 leader in receiving yardage with 654 yards and touchdown receptions with five. Off the field, he serves on the Northwestern Football Leadership Council and Student Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC); volunteers with community service events and departmental peer mentor programs; and is one of four representatives of the educational APPLE/athletic prevention program for improving substance abuse prevention education.
He's actively involved with the McCormick Student Advisory Board, as part of the School of Engineering, where he has a 3.229 GPA. He also is a member of the peer mentor group for the football team, Peers Urging Responsible Practices Through Leadership and Education. In addition, he is a member of and recruiter for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA); coordinating FCA member visits, signing autographs, speaking to children and assisting with weekly Bible studies
The ARA Sportsmanship Award is presented to the NCAA Bowl Division collegiate football player who most exemplifies sportsmanship on and off the field. Peterman was selected from 10 finalists representing schools across the country.
Previous winners are former Washington State quarterback Alex Brink (2007), St. Louis Rams running back Brian Leonard (2006) and Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams (2005).
To qualify for the award, an athlete must be a starting player or significant contributor on his team; be a senior 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 information on the award, visit www.arasportsmanshipaward.com.
