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James Madison University | Official Athletics Site
Trai Sharp Selected 2018 CAA John Randolph Inspiration Award Winner
8/1/2018 2:00:00 PM | Football, Student-Athlete Services
Courtesy of CAASports.com
RICHMOND, Va. - James Madison University senior football student-athlete Trai Sharp has been selected as the winner of the 2018 John H. Randolph Inspiration Award by the Colonial Athletic Association.
The award recognizes individuals who through strength of character and human spirit serve as an inspiration to all to maximize their potential and ability for success. It is named after former William & Mary athletic director John Randolph, who lost a courageous battle with cancer in 1995.
"The John Randolph Inspiration Award is one of the most important honors bestowed by the conference because it recognizes individuals who represent courage and the immeasurable strength of the human spirit," CAA Commissioner Joe D'Antonio said. "Trai's ability to persevere and excel after the tragic loss of his father represents what this award is all about."
Sharp, a native of Carrboro, N.C., was a key contributor at running back JMU's football team, which was ranked No. 1 in the nation throughout the 2017 regular season. On September 16, he turned in a breakout performance with 130 rushing yards and a touchdown in the Dukes' victory over Norfolk State. However, a day that should have been filled with celebration took a horrible turn when Trai learned during the fourth quarter of the game that his father had passed away.
Trai only saw brief action during the Dukes' next contest, but two weeks following his father's death, ran for a career-high 185 yards and a touchdown on 36 carries in JMU's hard-fought 20-10 road victory at Delaware. The performance earned him CAA Offensive Player of the Week honors.
"Trai Sharp is one of the most outstanding individuals I have ever met," JMU Head Football Coach Mike Houston said. "Watching him and walking with him through one of the toughest moments of his entire life, I was amazed at the strength, courage and bravery that Trai exhibited. He was able to push forward and carry his father's memory and teachings to have a tremendous year on and off the field. In the time that has passed since the death of Mr. Sharp, Trai has continued to be an inspiration to everyone within the JMU football program. He is one of the true leaders in our locker room and an individual that embodies everything that we strive for our program to stand for. I could not be more proud of Trai in being recognized with this award."
Trai finished the season with 759 yards and four touchdowns rushing, and was named to the CAA Football all-conference third team. He played a key role in helping JMU capture its third consecutive CAA Football title and advance to the FCS National Championship game for the second year in a row. Last April, Trai received the James Madison Athletics Courage Award.
"Trai is an exemplary student-athlete and an even better young man," JMU Director of Athletics Jeff Bourne said. "We felt the loss with him when he learned of his father's passing in the midst of Trai's best season as a member of the JMU football program. Through it all, he exhibited tremendous courage, character and willpower, all traits closely aligned with the John Randolph Award. We are extremely proud of Trai and happy that he is receiving this honor heading into his final season with the Dukes."
Trai is majoring in political science with a minor in political communication. He has participated in several community service projects, including reading at a local elementary school, volunteering with Special Olympics and helping with the Be The Match program that aids in the collection of bone marrow donations.
RICHMOND, Va. - James Madison University senior football student-athlete Trai Sharp has been selected as the winner of the 2018 John H. Randolph Inspiration Award by the Colonial Athletic Association.
The award recognizes individuals who through strength of character and human spirit serve as an inspiration to all to maximize their potential and ability for success. It is named after former William & Mary athletic director John Randolph, who lost a courageous battle with cancer in 1995.
"The John Randolph Inspiration Award is one of the most important honors bestowed by the conference because it recognizes individuals who represent courage and the immeasurable strength of the human spirit," CAA Commissioner Joe D'Antonio said. "Trai's ability to persevere and excel after the tragic loss of his father represents what this award is all about."
Sharp, a native of Carrboro, N.C., was a key contributor at running back JMU's football team, which was ranked No. 1 in the nation throughout the 2017 regular season. On September 16, he turned in a breakout performance with 130 rushing yards and a touchdown in the Dukes' victory over Norfolk State. However, a day that should have been filled with celebration took a horrible turn when Trai learned during the fourth quarter of the game that his father had passed away.
Trai only saw brief action during the Dukes' next contest, but two weeks following his father's death, ran for a career-high 185 yards and a touchdown on 36 carries in JMU's hard-fought 20-10 road victory at Delaware. The performance earned him CAA Offensive Player of the Week honors.
"Trai Sharp is one of the most outstanding individuals I have ever met," JMU Head Football Coach Mike Houston said. "Watching him and walking with him through one of the toughest moments of his entire life, I was amazed at the strength, courage and bravery that Trai exhibited. He was able to push forward and carry his father's memory and teachings to have a tremendous year on and off the field. In the time that has passed since the death of Mr. Sharp, Trai has continued to be an inspiration to everyone within the JMU football program. He is one of the true leaders in our locker room and an individual that embodies everything that we strive for our program to stand for. I could not be more proud of Trai in being recognized with this award."
Trai finished the season with 759 yards and four touchdowns rushing, and was named to the CAA Football all-conference third team. He played a key role in helping JMU capture its third consecutive CAA Football title and advance to the FCS National Championship game for the second year in a row. Last April, Trai received the James Madison Athletics Courage Award.
"Trai is an exemplary student-athlete and an even better young man," JMU Director of Athletics Jeff Bourne said. "We felt the loss with him when he learned of his father's passing in the midst of Trai's best season as a member of the JMU football program. Through it all, he exhibited tremendous courage, character and willpower, all traits closely aligned with the John Randolph Award. We are extremely proud of Trai and happy that he is receiving this honor heading into his final season with the Dukes."
Trai is majoring in political science with a minor in political communication. He has participated in several community service projects, including reading at a local elementary school, volunteering with Special Olympics and helping with the Be The Match program that aids in the collection of bone marrow donations.
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