Allie Clifton Receives Chuck Ealey Undefeated Spirit Award
5/12/2009 2:15:00 PM | Women's Basketball
TOLEDO, OH - Junior Allie Clifton recently received the Chuck Ealey Undefeated Spirit Award at the University of Toledo's Songfest in Savage Arena. The award was presented in conjunction with the Chuck Ealey Foundation.
The primary criteria for this honor was displaying an inspiring drive and leadership with their teammates, campus, community and/or youth. The person must also possess strong family values with strong family support, as well as a strong focus on education and community/campus involvement.
A two-time team captain, Clifton has battled the injury bug during her first three seasons wearing the Midnight Blue and Gold, missing a combined 19 contests due to an assortment of ailments. In 2008-09, she sat out the first five contests with a leg injury and appeared in 26 games. The Van Wert, OH native averaged 9.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.0 steals in 25.1 minutes per game. Clifton led the Rockets in scoring five times, as well as assists, rebounding and steals on four occasions. She ranked 12th in the MAC in field-goal percentage (46.7%, 92-of-197), 14th in defensive boards (4.15 rpg) and 20th in overall caroms.
In MAC contests, the middle childhood education major tallied 9.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.4 helpers per contest, finishing tied for 12th in defensive caroms (4.31 rpg), 14th in field-goal percentage (45.3%, 58-of-128) and 20th in overall boards.
An active member outside collegiate athletics as well, Clifton knows the importance of being involved in the community and has participated in such activities as Habitat for Humanity, The Susan G. Komen "Race for the Cure" and Cullop's Kids Camp, to name a few.
"This is a great honor for Allie," Toledo Head Coach Tricia Collop said. "Her perserverance and attitude are second to none. She always finds a way to battle and make a positive impact on our team. Her contributions as a leader and her inspirations are unparalleled because of all she has been through. We have all seen how she continues to fight and just inspire our team daily. She is a great leader and motivator."
Clifton and the Rockets finished the 2008-09 campaign with an 18-13 overall record and an 11-5 mark in the conference. UT advanced to the MAC Tournament Semifinals for the third time in the last four seasons and made its league-record 19th overall appearance in the league's ?Final Four.'
