Miami’s Khalil Jones and Nevada’s Matt Hines Receive MPC Computers Bowl Student Humanitarian Awards

BOISE, Idaho, Dec. 29, 2006 – University of Miami wide receiver Khalil Jones and University of Nevada-Reno defensive tackle Matt Hines were named recipients of the 2006 MPC Computers Bowl Student Humanitarian Awards on Friday in Boise.

The Student Humanitarian Awards are presented annually by the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame at the bowl’s Beyond the Game Luncheon and are part of the humanitarian heritage of the MPC Computers Bowl. 

Jones and Hines were selected by their teammates for their extraordinary contributions to their community and team.  The Student Humanitarian Awards are sponsored by Dr. George Wade and the Idaho Sports Medicine Institute. 

Jones, a sophomore from Miami (Northwestern HS) majoring in Athletic Administration, has been actively involved in the South Florida community since arriving at Miami in 2004.

“The first thing that I learned was to give back,” said Jones whose community service includes visits to the elementary school that he attended, and spending time with kids talking about staying in school and what it takes to become a student-athlete.  “Giving is what I encourage young people to do.  It gives them hope,” he said.  Jones’ community service includes work with  5000 Role Models, a Miami-Dade County Public Schools dropout prevention intervention program and the Upward Bound Program.

On campus, Jones is involved in Canes on Patrol where Miami Players team-up with the Broward County Sheriff’s office to promote law enforcement and good citizenship, he represented the University of Miami at the 2006 NCAA Leadership conference and is a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. 

On the field, the 6-2, 218-pound Jones has five catches for 51 yards in 10 games for the Hurricanes in 2006.

“As a coach you like to see somebody set the proper example,” said Miami head coach Larry Coker.  “Khalil is a positive role model to his teammates and the community.  I don’ think he’s ever said no to volunteering.”

Nevada's Matt Hines joins Larry Maneely, president of the board of the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame (left) and David Bieter, Mayor of Boise (right) after receiving the 2006 MPC Computers Bowl Student Humanitarian Award at the bowl's Beyond the Game Luncheon.  The Student Humanitarian Award is presented annually by the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame and sponsored by Dr. George Wade and the Idaho Sports Medicine Institute.

Hines, a junior from Modesto, Calif. (Beyer HS) majoring in general studies, not only understands the value of community service, but knows that his influence as a collegiate student-athlete can make a difference in the lives of children.   “It’s important to just not be known as a football player but someone who supports the community,” said Hines who contributes his time reading to kids and going through PE classes with children at several Northern Nevada elementary schools.  He also contributes his time at summer football camps, clinics and a Reno-area Pop Warner football team.   On the filed, the 6-1, 285-pound Hines has 20 tackles and 14 assists in 11 games for the Wolfpack in 2006.

“Matt Hines is an outstanding student-athlete, but more importantly, he is one of those rare people who is always willing to give back,” said Nevada head coach Chris Ault. “His unselfish efforts and time that he dedicates to improving life skills of our youth within the community has had a profound effect on the lives of many. He is, in every way, a wonderful example of what the Humanitarian Award is all about.”

The 10^th annual MPC Computers Bowl kicks-off at 5:30 p.m. MST (ESPN), Sunday, Dec. 31.

About The World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame

The World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame (www.SportsHumanitarian.com), located on the Boise State University campus in Boise, Idaho, recognizes individuals and organizations from the world of amateur and professional athletics who, through their humanitarian efforts, distinguish themselves as role models in the community.

Since 1994 over thirty role models with world-class athletic ability and exceptional humanitarian achievements have been inducted to the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame.  Each spring the induction ceremony includes recipients of an annual humanitarian awards program that recognizes community achievement in all corners of the sporting world through its President’s Award, Pro Team Community Award, Don Simplot Idaho Humanitarian Award, the Tradition of Excellence Award presented to a Heisman Trophy winner, and the Nell and John Wooden Humanitarian Lifetime Coaching Achievement Award.  Each year the Hall of Fame, in partnership with Boise’s MPC Computers Bowl, honors a player from each team with its Student Humanitarian Award.  The World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is open weekdays to visitors and humanitarians of all ages.