UTAH VALLEY MEDIA RELATIONS - Utah Valley University is excited to announce that recently graduated track and field athlete
Trac Norris was awarded a prestigious postgraduate scholarship of $7,500 by the NCAA, which is intended for his graduate study in physical therapy school beginning this fall at Duke University.
"I feel honored and grateful to have been able to receive this scholarship," Norris said. "I'm also very thankful for the opportunities the NCAA has provided me in helping me fulfill both my athletic and academic goals."
While with the Wolverines, Norris has traveled to the NCAA postseason competition every year he has been in competition, and even made a trip to the NCAA Final Rounds in Eugene in 2015. In 2015, Norris earned honorable mention All-American for placing 24th in the 3,000m steeplechase in Eugene.
"I'm proud of Trac for all of his hard work and efforts and for the way he represented our university as a student-athlete," head track and field coach
Scott Houle said. "His competitive nature took him to the NCAA Championships four times in multiple events and drove him academically so he could get into graduate school. All of these examples show what a great young man Trac is and his diligence in all avenues of his life has earned him this success."
Additionally, Norris maintained an excellent grade-point average as he completed his bachelor's of science in exercise science. He was awarded Academic All-WAC numerous times and was also awarded the Wolverine Club's Male Scholar Athlete of the Year award in 2016 at its annual awards show.
Norris was selected for this esteemed scholarship from a large pool of candidates, all of whom were NCAA student-athletes. To qualify for the scholarship, student-athletes must excel academically and athletically, and plan to pursue graduate study. The NCAA awards postgraduate scholarships to student-athletes who are in their final year of college athletics eligibility. Up to 175 scholarships are awarded each year for use toward an accredited graduate program. Awardees are evaluated on their academic and athletics achievement, campus involvement, community service, volunteer activities and demonstrated leadership. The program rewards college athletes whose dedication and effort reflect the characteristics needed to succeed in postgraduate study. Awardees are chosen by the NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship Committee, which includes faculty athletics representatives, athletics administrators and a conference representative.
Student-athletes must also maintain at least a 3.2 grade-point average and be nominated by their institution's faculty athletics representative. Norris's outstanding cumulative GPA of 3.78, combined with his record-setting athletic performance at Utah Valley, made the track and field standout a perfect match for the generous scholarship.
"These scholarships are one of the ways the NCAA provides a pathway to opportunity for student-athletes," said Dr. Richard Loosbrock, chair of the NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship Committee and faculty athletics representative at Adams State University. "Trac's distinguished college career is highlighted by his outstanding achievements in academics, athletics, community service and leadership. These experiences will prepare him for success in graduate study and life."
Additionally, Norris was awarded the Helen Kaiser scholarship by Duke University. The scholarship is awarded to an applicant who exhibits a strong sensitivity and appreciation for the diversity in all individuals, and have an academic background which reflects exposure to a variety of fields of study. Norris was awarded $5,000 to be received in his second year of study at Duke University.
He is the second Wolverine in history to have earned the honor, as fellow track and field athlete Sally Hansen Jensen was awarded the scholarship in 2013.
Norris will begin physical therapy school at Duke University this fall.