Troy Ruths Named 2008 Jostens Trophy Recipient

St. Louis, Mo., March 12, 2008 – Senior forward Troy Ruths of the Washington University in St. Louis men’s basketball team has been named the 2008 Jostens Trophy recipient, as announced by members of the Rotary Club of Salem, Va.

Ruths, who was honored as the 2008 ESPN The Magazine College Division Academic All-America of the Year in February, is a three-time Academic All-University Athletic Association (UAA), first-team Academic All-District VII and first-team Academic All-America selection. He is the second Washington U. student-athlete to earn the award. Alia Fischer Keys of women’s basketball also earned in the honor in 2000.

"We are really proud of what Troy has accomplished in his four years at Washington University, both on and off the court," said Washington U. head coach Mark Edwards. "This is a special award for a special person, and one that is well deserved."

Ruths is averaging a UAA-best 19.6 points and 6.7 rebounds per game for the Bears. He ranks second on the Washington University all-time scoring list with 1,697 points, and has notched double-figure scoring in 87 of the last 89 games. Ruths is averaging 16.2 points and 6.5 rebounds per game in 105 career games played, and also ranks second in school history in field goals made (637), third in free-throws made (423), fifth in rebounds (687) and sixth in blocks (134).

"Receiving the Jostens Trophy is an honor above all others. I know my parents couldn't be more proud, and I couldn't be more appreciative of my four years at Washington University that are represented in his award," said Ruths, who will graduate in May with a 4.0 grade point average in computer science. "From my teammates, to the coaches, and from the athletic department to the school itself, many people have helped me mature as an athlete, a student and an individual."

The Jostens Trophy is a national award created by the Rotary Club of Salem, Va., to honor the most outstanding men’s and women’s Division III basketball players of the year. The award takes into account three vital parts: basketball ability, academic prowess and community service. The trophy models the Rotary motto of “Service above Self,” by recognizing those who truly fit the ideal of the well-rounded Division III student-athlete. This year’s class marks the 11th year the award has been presented.

The Jostens Award presentation is scheduled for Thursday, March 20, at the Salem Civic Center in conjunction with the NCAA Men’s Division III Championship being hosted in Salem, Va., on March 21-22.

The Trophy itself stands two-feet high and weighs 64 pounds. The eight-inch basketball in the center is made of Czech crystal, while the wood base is fashioned from solid cherry. One trophy will go to each winner of the award, while the original will be permanently displayed outside of the Community Room at the Salem Civic Center.

In conjunction with the awarding of the Jostens Trophy, is the presentation of the Wooldridge Scholarship. The scholarship will be given in the name of the Jostens Trophy recipient to the college or university that he/she attends.