Jackson Honored At Inaugural Coach Wooden Cup

Los Angeles, Calif. - Oklahoma senior All-America candidate Dionnah Jackson was one of 12 athletes honored Monday at the Inaugural Coach Wooden Cup in Los Angeles at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel. Athletes for a Better World hosted The Coach Wooden Cup that is named in honor of John Wooden, a man who embodies all the characteristics of an athlete of excellence.

The Coach Wooden Cup was presented to two distinguished athletes, one from college and university sport and one from Olympic and professional sport. BYU's swimming and diving standout Bill Betz won the university award, while Payton Manning, of the NFL Indianapolis Colt took home the professional award.

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The highlight of the reception was the actual introduction and photo session with Mr. Wooden, each athlete and guest got to participate in this honor. Mr. Wooden entertained a crowd of about 100 with his knowledge and poems before the awards presentation.

“Today was one of the most special days in my career,” said Jackson. “It was such an honor to meet and listen to Mr. Wooden today and to be in the same room as athletes like Dawn Staley (WNBA Charlotte String) and Will Shields (NFL Kansas City Chiefs) was truly special. I was very honored to be here today”

Jackson, a preseason John Wooden National Player of the Year candidate, was among these elite athletes Monday due to her senior leadership and sportsmanship on and off the court. The St. Louis, Mo., native also exhibits OU's commitment to give back to the community by participating in the team's community service projects and out-reach programs. Jackson's maturity and leadership are substantial reasons why the Sooners are regular Big 12 and NCAA Tournament contenders.

She was the only women's basketball player among the six collegiate finalist.

The mission of Athletes for a Better World (ABW) is to use sports to develop character, teamwork, and citizenship through commitment to an athletic Code for Living that applies to life and to create a movement that will play a significant role in the transformation of individuals, sports and society.

In order to be nominated for The Coach Wooden Cup, an athlete must:
* Train with a discipline, consistent work ethic
* Demonstrate fair play and sportsmanship
* Develop positive, supportive relationships with teammates and coaches
* Win or lose with grace and dignity
* Contribute to society through the gifts of time or money

Nominations for the award were received from colleges, universities, Olympic sports governing bodies, professional sports league and teams. Three separate screening committees reduced the nominations to 24 then to 12 and finally to six. A total of 120 individuals - 100 electors from 50 states and 20 members of the Coach Wooden Cup Committee - rated these finalist from 1 to 10 on each of the five award criteria. The athlete with the highest point total in each of the two award categories won the inaugural Coach Wooden Cup.

The six college finalists were:
William Betz, BYU (Men's Swimming) - winner
Dionnah Jackson, Oklahoma (Women's Basketball)
Clark Lea, Vanderbilt (Football)
Caroline Renkin, North Carolina at Wilmington (Women's Soccer)
DeAngelo Williams, Memphis (Football)
Michael Williams, Stephen F. Austin (Football)

The six professional/olympic finalists were:
Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts (NFL) - winner
Ray Allen, Seattle SuperSonics (NBA)
Sue Bird, Seattle SuperSonics (WNBA)
Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs (NBA)
Will Shields, Kansas City Chiefs (NFL)
Dawn Staley, Charlotte Sting (WNBA)

University of Oklahoma Athletics

Jackson Honored At Inaugural Coach Wooden Cup

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