Athletes win awards

Even in the off-season OU athletes are receiving awards.

OU running back Andy Otto was nominated for the 2009 Allstate American Football Coaches Association Good Works Team; Otto was one of three NAIA athletes and one of 106 nominated for the award.

"Once I found out what the award was for and the other people nominated for it, it hit me that I was with a special group of people," Otto said.

To be nominated for the award athletes were judged by their impact on their team and work in the community. Otto has become involved in several community events that helped him receive his nomination. The program that he enjoys most is the annual Hope House Christmas Party. Otto has also been actively involved in the Shoulder Pads and Paragraphs program and the football team's annual Youth Day

Head Coach Kent Kessinger spoke well of Otto both on and off the field.

"He is a hard worker, a vocal leader, and rallies the rest of the team," Kessinger said.

Many of the teams were named NAIA Scholar Teams this summer. Both men's and women's track & field, men's cross country, men's golf and men's and women's basketball all received the honor.

Cross-country and track & field coach Kirk Wren said he and his athletes are proud of their academic accomplishments.

"There is a strong sense of peer pressure from teammates to do well in the classroom and in their sport," Wren said.