Campus Connection

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVvci4XWKQI&sns=em Army First Lieutenant and former UW-L football player Jason Church, ’11, inspired the NCAA – and he’ll inspire you. Church received the 2014 National Collegiate Athletic Association Inspiration Award Jan. 17 at the NCAA Honors Celebration in San Diego. The NCAA Inspiration Award is presented to current or former coaches, administrators and student-athletes at NCAA institutions. The award recognizes those confronted with a life-altering situation who used perseverance, dedication and determination to overcome it and now serves as a role model. "I am truly honored to be the recipient of 2014 NCAA Inspiration Award," says Church. "It is truly an award that humbles me." Church was a member of the Eagles' football squad and a cadet in ROTC. In May 2012, he joined the Striker Battalion in Afghanistan. Several months later he was in an IED explosion that caused him severe injury, leaving him without either leg below the knee. After sustaining his injury, Church received his Purple Heart during halftime of UW-L's football game against UW-Whitewater Nov. 10, 2012, at Roger Harring Stadium. He wanted to receive his Purple Heart as a testament to the impact UW-L and the La Crosse community has had on his life. Here’s how the NCAA chronicled his life: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVvci4XWKQI&sns=em