Van Portfliet Honored By John Wooden Citizenship Cup

Northern Colorado junior safety Mike Van Portfliet was recently named as an honorable mention to the John Wooden Citizenship Cup.

The Wooden Citizenship Cup is an annual award presented to the most outstanding role models among college and professional athletes. Unique in its inclusion of athletes in all collegiate and professional sports, the Cup is fast becoming one of the most prestigious awards in all of sports. Recipients are recognized for their exemplary character both on and off the field.

The award is named in honor of legendary coach John Wooden, whose legacy of integrity, high moral character, compassion, and civic-mindedness continues to make him one of the most admired coaches in the history of sports. Recipients of the Cup are chosen by a selection committee chaired by Vince Dooley, former University of Georgia athletic director and national championship-winning head coach. Previous recipients include Peyton Manning, Cal Ripken Jr., John Smoltz, Andrea Yaeger and John Lynch.

Van Portfliet has donated bone marrow, volunteered at the Rodarte Children's Center and gone on a mission to Kenya to name a few of his off-the-field highlights. He is one of the most respected players on the team, leading the voluntary team prayer at the end of practices and ran bible study during fall camp before FCA meetings began with the start of school.

This season, Van Portfliet played in all 11 games recording 11 tackles and was a valuable member of special teams.