Jay C. Upchurch
10/26/2006, 01:17 PM
NORMAN — In this time of college athletes forgoing senior
seasons of eligibility in favor of a professional sports career, early
departures are somewhat common.
The same cannot be said of early departures for graduate school. But
that is precisely the path chosen by Oklahoma defensive tackle Carl
Pendleton.
Pendleton, who is the legal guardian for his 10-year-old brother,
Kierstan, plans to complete his football career at the end of this, his
junior season on the Sooner team. He will enter graduate school and
concentrate on both his academic and family responsibilities.
The transition to graduate school became easier today when it was
announced that Pendleton will receive one of nine $18,000
Scholar-Athlete Post-Graduate Scholarships from the National Football
Foundation and College Hall of Fame awarded to players on the Division
I-A level.
"I wasn't really sure about the decision of not playing next year,"
Pendleton said. "I really needed some confirmation, and if $18,000
doesn't confirm it then not much does. The ability to take care of
school and spend more time with Kierstan is really a big thing.
"I think he was more excited than I was. He was dancing around saying,
'Isn't that like 18-grand?' So, yes, it's big."
Pendleton, a 3.86 student in sociology with a minor in religious
studies, will be honored with other recipients at the 49th Annual Awards
Dinner, a black-tie affair at New York City's Waldorf Astoria, on Dec.
5.
Then it will be back to Norman to complete his undergraduate degree and
begin thoughts of graduate school at OU and of being more available for
Kierstan, a fifth-grade student at Lincoln Elementary in Norman. The
two have resided together for about one year.
"With the new responsibility of raising my younger brother I realize
that football is not the best choice for me," Pendleton said. "Football
was a way for me to get my education. Graduate School will allow me to
further my education and allow me more time to spend raising my brother
without having to play football. He has become my center."
OU President David L. Boren voiced the university's appreciation of
Pendleton.
"The University of Oklahoma is extremely proud that Carl Pendleton has
been selected for this prestigious national award," Boren said. "I can
think of no student-athlete who serves as a better role model for young
people than Carl, who along with his responsibilities as a student and
an athlete, has taken on the responsibility for helping to raise his
younger brother."
OU Athletics Director Joe Castiglione, a member of the NFF's Board of
Directors and a member of the organization's executive committee, said
the scholarship and Pendleton are a perfect match.
OU Sports Information Report
seasons of eligibility in favor of a professional sports career, early
departures are somewhat common.
The same cannot be said of early departures for graduate school. But
that is precisely the path chosen by Oklahoma defensive tackle Carl
Pendleton.
Pendleton, who is the legal guardian for his 10-year-old brother,
Kierstan, plans to complete his football career at the end of this, his
junior season on the Sooner team. He will enter graduate school and
concentrate on both his academic and family responsibilities.
The transition to graduate school became easier today when it was
announced that Pendleton will receive one of nine $18,000
Scholar-Athlete Post-Graduate Scholarships from the National Football
Foundation and College Hall of Fame awarded to players on the Division
I-A level.
"I wasn't really sure about the decision of not playing next year,"
Pendleton said. "I really needed some confirmation, and if $18,000
doesn't confirm it then not much does. The ability to take care of
school and spend more time with Kierstan is really a big thing.
"I think he was more excited than I was. He was dancing around saying,
'Isn't that like 18-grand?' So, yes, it's big."
Pendleton, a 3.86 student in sociology with a minor in religious
studies, will be honored with other recipients at the 49th Annual Awards
Dinner, a black-tie affair at New York City's Waldorf Astoria, on Dec.
5.
Then it will be back to Norman to complete his undergraduate degree and
begin thoughts of graduate school at OU and of being more available for
Kierstan, a fifth-grade student at Lincoln Elementary in Norman. The
two have resided together for about one year.
"With the new responsibility of raising my younger brother I realize
that football is not the best choice for me," Pendleton said. "Football
was a way for me to get my education. Graduate School will allow me to
further my education and allow me more time to spend raising my brother
without having to play football. He has become my center."
OU President David L. Boren voiced the university's appreciation of
Pendleton.
"The University of Oklahoma is extremely proud that Carl Pendleton has
been selected for this prestigious national award," Boren said. "I can
think of no student-athlete who serves as a better role model for young
people than Carl, who along with his responsibilities as a student and
an athlete, has taken on the responsibility for helping to raise his
younger brother."
OU Athletics Director Joe Castiglione, a member of the NFF's Board of
Directors and a member of the organization's executive committee, said
the scholarship and Pendleton are a perfect match.
OU Sports Information Report