Catholic University Announces "CUA Athletics Smathers Award"

WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Friday Oct. 23, alumni and friends will gather at Renditions Golf Course in Davidsonville, Md., for The Catholic University of America Athletic Golf Outing and to honor the recipient of the CUA Athletics Smathers Award, named for decorated reservist and CUA alumnus, Capt. John Smathers. This is the first year of the award, and it will hereafter be given to current or former student-athletes who have distinguished themselves in service to their community, university, profession or country.

Smathers epitomized the idea of service to country, serving both on American soil and abroad in Iraq. He earned multiple medals and honors, including four Bronze Stars, two Purple Hearts and an Army Medal of Commendation. The 1980 CUA graduate also received six Army Reserve Components Achievement Medals, a National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon, the Combat Action Badge, the Parachutist and Marksman Badges and a Meritorious Service Medal. Smathers passed away on Feb. 4, 2006, but his legacy will never be forgotten by those who knew and loved him.

This year's winner will be announced and honored with the CUA Athletics Smathers Award immediately following the golf outing at approximately 1 p.m. at Renditions Golf Course.

Story provided by Catholic Sports Information