PROVO, Utah (Apr. 9, 2004) This year's recipient of The Floyd Johnson Service Award at the first annual Cougar Club Y Awards went to track and field and cross country athlete Jeff Hopkinson.
Hopkinson, a senior who graduated with an English degree last April, is one of 13 student athletes honored at this year's Y Awards.
The Floyd Johnson Service Award is given to an athlete who contributes his time and talents to the service of others, as well as, spending a significant amount of time outside the everyday grind of balancing school and sports.
Coach Ed Eyestone feels Hopkinson is a worthy recipient of this year's award.
"He's always been very service oriented," Eyestone said. "Whenever there has been an opportunity presented to our team to serve, he's always been one of those guys who's wanted to do it."
Eyestone said Hopkinson is an extremely hard worker and a leader both on and off the track. He also noted many of his athletes are service oriented, but "Hop", his nickname, is one of those guys who looks for ways in which he can share his time and talents to help provide a better means for some one else.
Although service can be a rewarding pursuit, not many athletes find time to participate with many demands in academics and athletics.
"All the athletes enjoy doing service once they get out there," Eyestone said.
"But not a lot of them end up getting out there, but he's the one who takes the initiative."
Some activities and services Hopkinson has been involved in are: The Buff Don't Puff, humanity programs, the Utah Food Bank, and singing Christmas carols at a local nursing home.
Even though he has participated in all these service projects and activities, Hopkinson was still stunned when his name was called at the Y Awards.
"I was pretty surprised that I won the award," said Hopkinson.
Although balancing time between practics and school can be a struggle for many student athletes, Hopkinson finds a way to balance it all and serve others because of the personal growth and development that comes from giving service.
"Service benefits each individual athlete," Hopkinson said. "But an important fact is it shows that athletes are real people and that they care about their community."