AU’s Welton Named Finalist for V Foundation Comeback Award

AURORA, Ill. March 16, 2005 - Aurora University freshman forward Larry Welton (Chicago, Ill./Thornwood HS) has been named one of 18 finalists for the fifth annual V Foundation Comeback Award by the V Foundation for Cancer Research.

In addition to Welton, the finalists include: Chante Bonds, Bentley College; Kayla Burt, Washington University; Darren Cooper, University of Portland; Grant Dykstra, Western Washington University; the Florida State University women’s basketball team; Cisti Greenwalt, Texas Tech University; Jeff Hemschoot, Fairleigh Dickinson University – Florham; Bernard Jackson, College of Charleston; Will Kimble, University of Texas – El Paso; Marsha Kinder, Bridgewater College; Brittney Kroon, Seattle Pacific University; Tyler McKinney, Creighton University; James Roberson, Bemidji State University; Sheray Thomas, University of Kentucky; Nicole Vlajkovich, Bethany College; and Kitus Witherspoon, Arkansas State University.

The annual award is open to men and women collegiate basketball student-athletes in all NCAA divisions. It is awarded to an individual or a team who has accomplished a personal triumph in the face of true adversity, be it in health, life or moral dilemma.

The award is presented in memory of Jim Valvano, the late basketball coach and ESPN commentator, whose personal battle with cancer inspired the creation of The V Foundation. In his memorable speech at ESPN’s inaugural ESPY Awards announcing the creation of The V Foundation, Valvano’s “Don’t Give Up. . .Don’t Ever Give Up!”® motto created a legacy from which the Comeback Award has been created.

“Once again I am amazed at the incredible strength and resilience of the student-athletes who are nominated for The V Foundation Comeback Award,” said Foundation CEO Nick Valvano. “These young people are outstanding student-athletes who have faced tremendous adversity and challenges with incredible determination and strength.

“Every one of these finalists truly captures the spirit of The V Foundation,” Valvano continued. “They have embraced the ‘Never Give Up’ attitude as they have overcome great obstacles. I would be honored to have my brother’s name be remembered with each and every one of them.”

Welton was named Northern Illinois-Iowa Conference (NIIC) Player of the Year, Newcomer of the Year, and All-Conference. He led AU to the second round of the NCAA Division III Championships, averaging a team high of 20.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.46 blocks per game, while being named NIIC Player of the Week four times and D3hoops.com Team of the Week twice. Welton shot 53 percent from the field (220-415) and scored 562 points in his first season of college basketball. Behind Welton, AU finished with a 23-5 record, falling in the second round of the NCAA tournament 71-59 to Calvin College. AU was Northern Illinois-Iowa Conference regular season and conference tournament champions.

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