ASU's Herring nominated for 2008 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team

August 07, 2008

Arizona State University senior running back <a href="http://thesundevils.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/herring_keegan00.html"… Herring</a> has been nominated for the 2008 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team.<separator></separator>Herring is one of 71 college football players from across the nation whose involvement with charitable organizations and community service contributions stand out among the more than 50,000 student-athletes participating in the sport at all four-year collegiate institutions. From among the 71 nominations submitted by sports information directors on behalf of their team, a special selection committee assembled by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) and Allstate will select two 11-player Good Works Teams - one composed of players competing in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (I-A) and a combined team representing players competing in the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (I-AA), Divisions II, III, and the NAIA. The two Good Works Teams will be announced in September.<separator></separator>The student-athletes nominated for this prestigious honor embody the true spirit of "teamwork" and "giving back" through selfless contributions and commendable acts of kindness. During a time when off-the-field transgressions seem to dominate the news headlines, these players have quietly made a favorable impression on the organizations and people with which they are involved. From donating bone marrow to rescuing children from an overturned bus, the positive impact that these players have made and continue to make on their communities can be measured by more than just touchdowns, tackles and receptions.<separator></separator><a href="http://thesundevils.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/herring_keegan00.html"… Herring</a> is no different. On top of maintaining a consistent positive attitude despite the misfortune of losing his father, best friend, sister and aunt within a 10-month period, here is a quick look at some of Herring's altruistic efforts in the Tempe community that have earned him a nomination for the 2008 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team:<separator></separator> * Spoke to seventh and eighth grade students at Desert Sands Middle School about overcoming challenges, the importance of having confidence in yourself and how to not let learning disabilities hold you back from doing well in school * Spent time with children at Thomas J. Pappas School (school for homeless children) over the summer and talked with them about the importance of school and worked with them on physical education skills * Constantly interacting with school kids on campus tours * Pat's Run * Works with the children participating in the <a href="http://thesundevils.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/tillman_pat00.html">Pat Tillman</a> Run and Walk <separator></separator>This season, Allstate is working with the AFCA to reinforce the heritage and tradition of the award. For the first time in the 16-year history of the program, the selection committee includes five former members of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Teams. Other 2008 selection committee members include two coaches representing the AFCA, five representatives of the college football media, and one Allstate representative.<separator></separator>"We are excited about Allstate's role with the AFCA and welcome them as one of our official corporate partners," said Grant Teaff, AFCA executive director. "Allstate is a first-class company that supports collegiate athletics, football in particular, in a variety of ways. Their support of our Good Works Teams as title sponsor ensures that those student-athletes making countless volunteer contributions to their communities and campuses through many off-field efforts will get the proper recognition they deserve."<separator></separator>The 2008 Allstate AFCA Good Works Teams voting panel includes: Allstate senior vice president, Steve Sorenson; former Good Works Teams members Matt Stinchcomb (University of Georgia, 1997 team), Mike Proman (Amherst College, 2002 team), Deuce McAllister (University of Mississippi, 1999 team), Dan Lord (Tufts University, 1997 team), Zaid Abdul-Aleem (Duke University, 1994 team); media members Kirk Herbstreit (ESPN), Dennis Dodd (CBS Sportsline), Tony Barnhart (Atlanta Journal-Constitution), Kelly Whiteside (USA Today), Ivan Maisel (ESPN.com); current AFCA president and University of Washington head coach Tyrone Willingham; and 1996 AFCA president Fisher DeBerry, former head coach at the United States Air Force Academy.<separator></separator>

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