Tom Kuster Chosen as 2021 Recipient of CAA's Randolph Inspiration Award

RICHMOND, Va. – James Madison Associate Athletics Director Tom Kuster has been selected as one of two winners of the 2021 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.

"When considering the award criteria as someone who exhibits strength of character and human spirit while inspiring others, I can't imagine another individual who better epitomizes this honor than Tom Kuster," JMU Director of Athletics Jeff Bourne said. "He has been an inspiration to all of us in JMU Athletics during the most difficult and challenging time in our history during the COVID-19 pandemic."

Kuster has been a member of the JMU sports medicine staff since 1999, has been Director of Sports Medicine since 2006 and was promoted to Associate Athletics Director for Integrated Health and Sports Performance in 2016. He oversees all health-related units within JMU Athletics consisting of sports medicine, strength and conditioning, nutrition and sport psychology, as well as supervising the men's and women's tennis programs.

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in March 2020, Kuster devoted countless hours into creating a plan that would enable JMU student-athletes, coaches and staff to return to activity in a safe manner. In the midst of that work, Kuster began dealing with his own health challenges and doctors discovered he had an advanced stage of colon cancer. He immediately began an aggressive schedule of treatments, but has continued to stay engaged with implementing JMU's pandemic strategies.

While continuing his own fight against cancer, Kuster's leadership and teaching has allowed the JMU sports medicine staff to rally behind him and carry the load in his absence. His energy and attitude has served as an inspiration to many as the work continues to successfully emerge from the pandemic.

"Following the example of their leader, our sports medicine staff has gone above and beyond to do whatever it takes to put our student-athletes in position to succeed, Bourne said. "There's no doubt this is a sign of an effective leader and of the love and respect this staff has for him. Tom Kuster completely embodies the spirit of the Randolph Award."

Though not out of the woods yet with his battle against cancer, Kuster continues to pour energy into JMU Athletics as he continues his fight. A strong network of purple support is fully in his corner as he continues this fight.

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