LA GRANDE, Ore. - Last week, Eastern Oregon University's Jayne-Leigh Thomas was selected as a finalist for the NAIA Dr. LeRoy Walker Sportsmanship Award.  The winner of the award was Jessica Stollings of King College of Tennessee.

The Walker Award was created as part of the NAIA's association with the Citizenship Through Sports Alliance (CTSA), a group including nine other membership organizations for the world of sports with the aim of promoting sportsmanship.  The award is named for the past-president of the United States Olympic Committee and the former president of the NAIA from Benedict (S.C.).

Thomas, a senior graduating this spring with a degree in Liberal Studies/Anthropology, has been a Dean's List (3.5 GPA or higher) member each of her eleven terms at EOU.

Last year, Thomas was recognized a Daktronics NAIA All-American Scholar-Athlete team and should easily make the squad again at the conclusion of the softball season.  She was also named Cascade Collegiate Conference Pitch of the Week

Thomas, a four-year pitcher for the Mountaineer softball team, has appeared in 82 contests and pitched 350 1/3 innings.  During that time she has complied a career record or 29-25 with a lifetime ERA of 3.02.