Beta Gamma Sigma members and student-athletes Mike Anello, Tim Hiller, Adam Rundh and Reed Williams have all been recognized for their outstanding academic achievement in business by earning the Beta Gamma Sigma Key. This accomplishment, along with other traits, honors and activities has placed them among the top-10 finalists for another prestigious accolade – the Award Recognition Association (ARA) 2009 Sportsmanship Award. The ARA Sportsmanship Award is a national honor presented in December to an outstanding NCAA Division I collegiate football player who “personifies the spirit sportsmanship” both on and off the field.

"As the only national award that recognizes an athlete's character and leadership as it translates to sportsmanship, the ARA Sportsmanship Award was created five years ago to shed light on these positive traits," said Glenn Beckworth, president of the ARA. "It's encouraging to cull through such a great number of high caliber nominations. These young men are role models and stand out players who give 100 plus percent both on the football field and in life."

Previous winners are Northwestern University receiver Eric Peterman (2008); Washington State quarterback Alex Brink (2007); Cincinnati Bengels fullback Brian Leonard (2006); and Carolina Panthers running back, DeAngelo Williams (2005).

The qualifications for the award state: “An athlete must be a starting player or significant contributor on his team; be an athlete 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.”

About the Beta Gamma Sigma member-finalists:

Mike Anello—University of Notre Dame. A walk-on known as “Rudy with responsibility” by his teammates and fans, defensive back Anello graduated in three-in-a-half years, and earned first-team academic and the prestigious Nick Pietrosante Award. Anello also turned down Wall Street job offers to continue playing and giving back to his community by participating in the Tackle the Arts program, serving as campus guide and offering aid to hurricane Katrina victims.
Tim Hiller—Western Michigan University. Quarterback, team leader and 4.0 student, Hiller completed his undergraduate degree in three years and is now pursuing his MBA. Hiller broke the WMU record for single season pass completions, attempts, yards and touchdowns, while also serving as a community service leader tutoring math and English at the local high school. He also started up the WMU chapter of Fellowship of Christian Athletes and went on a faith-based mission to Trinidad.
Adam Rundh—Valparaiso University. Defensive lineman, Denmark native and team blogger, Rundh received an honorable mention from the All-Pioneer Football league selection and earned the ESPN The Magazine Second Team Academic All American honors. Described as an exemplary role model for the team on the field, Rundh also received the Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar award and volunteers in the community by tutoring under-privileged youths.
Reed Williams—West Virginia University. Linebacker, Dean’s List, ESPN The Magazine Academic All-American First Team member and double major in finance and marketing, Williams is described as a humble leader with exceptional character who always takes time for fans and children. Despite injuries in 2008, Williams assisted coaches and teammates from the sidelines while giving back to the community Boys and Girls clubs, Special Olympics and other organizations benefiting children.

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