Muncie Times, Muncie, Delaware County, 20 September 2007 — Page 9

The Muncie Times • September 20, 2007 • Page 9

continued from page 1 Perkins, chair of the Major Taylor Award Committee. “We thought this was appropriate to do at this time because both are richly deserving of this honor. We could not have found better representatives, especially these two who serve our central Indiana community so well.” "I am extremely honored to be receiving the Major Taylor Award, especially alongside Mr. Tony Dungy” said Catchings. “I know there were quite a few great nominees besides me so I truly appreciate the opportunity to stand as a representative of my family, the Catch the Stars Foundation and the Indiana Fever." “I am very honored to receive the Major Taylor Award,” said Dungy. “Obviously, getting an award with Tamika Catchings is something that I’ll cherish. I know how much Tamika does for our community and just to be put in that same category is quite an honor.” Catchings and Dungy will be recognized during halftime of the 24th Annual Coca-Cola Circle City Classic on Oct. 6 between Florida A&M University and Winston-Salem State University). Catchings will also be honored during the Indianapolis Colts Classic Coaches

Indianapolis Colts Coach Tony Dungy (2007 Super Bowl Champions)

Luncheon noon to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 5 at the Indiana Convention Center’s Sagamore Ballroom. This event also features the head coaches of F lorida A&M University, Rubin Carter, and WinstonSalem State University, Kermit Blount. In 2002, Catchings joined the Indiana Fever and was named the 2002 WNBA Rookie of the Year. Later that year, Catchings was runnerup in voting for the league’s MVP and Defensive Player of the Year. She also became the first Fever player to be named to the AllWNBA First Team. Often known as Indiana’s “do-every-thing”forward, Catchings led her team

in points, rebounds, assists, and steals in each of her first five pro seasons. Named the WNBA’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2005 and 2006, she has asserted herself as one of the world’s premier players. She is the franchise’s first 2,000-point scorer. Catchings is a five-time WNBA All-Star and the only player in WNBA history to finish in the league’s top 10 in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks in the same season. While playing for The University of Tennessee 1997-2001, Catchings was a Kodak AllAmerican recipient for four consecutive seasons, becoming only one of four women to ever

obtain this honor. She became just the second member of the Lady Vols to score 2,000 points and grab 1,000 rebounds. She finished her college career ranked third in the school’s history in points (2,113) and rebounds (1,004). Catchings graduated with honors with a degree in sport management. In addition to her work on the court, Catchings has worked diligently to provide opportunity to youth. Catchings launched the Catch the Stars Foundation, Inc. in December 2004 to assist disadvantaged youth. She annually conducts fitness clinics and basketball camps in areas

surrounding Indianapolis; Dallas, Texas ;Knoxville, Tennessee; and Chicago. Catchings has also been an annual participant and sponsor of the Indiana Pacers’ annual Thanksgiving Dinner to feed the area’s less fortunate. Current programs for her foundation include the Catch the Fever Youth Holiday Basket ball camp, Catch on to Fitness Clinics, Catchings Comer, and S.T.A.R.S. (Sisters Teaching and Reaching Sisters). In 2004, she was invited to President George W. Bush’s State of the Union Address, and was named a finalist for the 2006 Wooden Citizen Cup, presented annually to the nation’s top professional athlete who exhibits outstanding community service. In 2000, Catchings was honored with the Reynolds Society Achievement Award by the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary in Boston. The award is given annually to an individual who has overcome hearing, vision or voice loss. Catchings was born with a hearing disability and wore a hearing aid as a young girl. Catchings is the current president of the WNBA Players Association. Dungy, one of the most respected and popcontinued on page 11