ARKADELPHIA, AR – Ouachita Tiger senior fullback Spencer Knight has been named to the 2014 AFCA Allstate Good Works Team. Knight was one of 22 collegiate football players to be selected from a record 182 nominations from across the country. 11 players were selected from the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision and 11 players from the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision, Divisions II, III and the NAIA to comprise the 22-player team.
This prestigious college football award pays tribute to a select group of student-athletes who have worked to positively impact the lives of others. The 22 players honored with this distinct recognition have not only dedicated their time to succeeding on the field, but have made a commitment to enriching the lives of others while contributing to the greater good of their communities.
Knight, a graduate of Arkadelphia High School in Arkadelphia, Ark. has participated in numerous local charitable events in his four years at Ouachita Baptist University including, Operation Christmas Child and Tiger Serve Day. He is an active member at First Baptist Church Arkadelphia where he serves as Sunday school teacher for high school boys.
In January of 2014, Spencer underwent a bone-marrow harvest for a young boy in Canada. Knight had signed up as a potential donor for the “Be The Match” program in 2011 when a fellow teammate, Justin Waite was diagnosed with leukemia. While Spencer wasn’t a match for Justin, he answered the call when he was contacted about his match with a young boy he’d never met.
When asked over the phone by the “Be The Match” representative if he was still willing to participate in the program, Knight said it was a no-brainer.
“As soon as I heard it was a three-year-old, I immediately agreed. My parents and I had a lot of questions, but I felt this was part of God’s plan, so I knew I had to follow it through.”
“As soon as I heard it was a three-year-old, I immediately agreed. My parents and I had a lot of questions, but I felt this was part of God’s plan, so I knew I had to follow it through.”
Knight’s actions and response to his call to service came as a surprise to no one, especially Ouachita Baptist University President Rex Horne.
“I have observed Spencer for years,” Dr. Horne said. “His character, leadership and service is obvious. He is deserving of this incredible recognition.”
Ouachita Tigers Athletic Director was equally complimentary of Knight’s example.
“Ouachita Athletics is extremely excited for and proud of Spencer Knight for being selected to the 2014 AFCA Allstate Good Works Team,” Sharp said. “Spencer chose to give of himself so another would benefit which is quite a sacrifice. He displays exemplary service and is a true difference maker.”
Knight’s selection marks the second consecutive year that a member of the Great American Conference was selected for this prestigious award. GAC Commissioner Will Prewitt commented on that distinction.
“It’s great to see our league represented again on the AFCA Allstate Good Works Team,” Prewitt said. “Spencer is certainly a deserving candidate. He’s a great representative for the Ouachita football family and the GAC.”
This year, fans will help determine this year’s 2014 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® Captain. By visiting ESPN.com/Allstate, fans can learn more about this year’s team members and vote for the player who they feel best embodies the spirit of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®. The Team Captain and his fellow award recipients will also be invited to New Orleans to take part in a community project leading up to the 2015 College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Allstate® Sugar Bowl®.
The 2014 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® voting panel includes: former Good Works Team®members Zaid Abdul-Aleem (Duke, 1994 team), Matt Stinchcomb (Georgia, 1997, 1998 teams), Brian Brenberg (St. Thomas, 2001 team), Mike Proman (Amherst, 2002 team); media members Lou Holtz (ESPN), Kirk Herbstreit (ESPN), Bruce Feldman (Fox Sports), Blair Kerkhoff (Kansas City Star); current AFCA President and Ithaca College head coach Mike Welch; 1987 AFCA President and former head coach at Brigham Young University LaVell Edwards; and Jim Haskins, president of Allstate’s West Territory.