Thomas Named Second Annual Senior CLASS Award Winner
STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Four-time Kodak All-American LaToya Thomas just keeps adding awards to her repertoire. She is now the winner of the second annual Senior CLASS Award along with David West of Xavier, honoring the outstanding female and male senior NCAA Division I college "player of the year".
The inaugural award winners included Sue Bird of Connecticut and Juan Dixon of Maryland. Dick Enberg of CBS Sports first instigated the concept during the CBS telecast of the NCAA Division I Men's Championship Game in April 2001.
CLASS is an acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School.
This award is designed to Celebrate the Loyalty of senior basketball players for remaining committed to their university, and honoring these student athletes for great Achievement on the court and in the classroom while Staying in School.
An award winner is someone who has remained in school to fulfill their commitment to the university, exhausting all four years of eligibility. They have faithfully pursued an undergraduate degree and have met all academic eligibility standards according to the university's rules during their senior season of competition. Their personal conduct represents qualities of an outstanding role model, community leader, sportsmanship and solid moral standards, both on and off the court.
The Second Annual Tribute Gala for College Basketballs Senior CLASS Awards will be held on Friday, April 25, 2003, at the new Overland Park Convention Center Ballroom.
This year's Senior CLASS Award event beneficiary is Special Olympics. A portion of the net proceeds from this year's event will go directly to the local chapter of Special Olympics in an effort to help raise funds for their local events and programs.