Beth Csukas to be recognized at First Responder Day
Event set for UE softball game on March 26
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Just over a year ago, former Purple Aces student-athlete Beth Csukas suffered a serious automobile accident that would forever change her life. Faced with an uphill battle, Csukas battled every day to overcome the setback and showed the attitude of a champion. On March 26, Csukas will be honored for her efforts by the Missouri Valley Conference as she will be presented with the MVC Most Courageous Award.
Csukas will be presented with the award as part of First Responder Day in conjunction with the University of Evansville softball game against Bradley at Cooper Stadium. All first responders (firefighters, EMT’s, police officers, paramedics, etc.) will receive two free tickets to the game with the proper first responder ID.
Special pricing will also be enacted for the game on March 26. Adult admission will be just $5 while seniors and youth tickets are $3. The award presentation will take place at 11:45 a.m. in Cooper Stadium with the softball contest following at noon.
“This is going to be a great day that will celebrate what Beth Csukas has meant to the University of Evansville and the Evansville community as a whole,†UE Senior Associate Athletic Director Sarah Solinsky said. “We are excited to have her back on campus and recognize the courage she has shown.â€
Csukas was a 2-sport athlete with the Aces. She spent time playing with the softball and women’s soccer squads in her time at the university. After graduation, she stayed in the Evansville area and was a firefighter in the community.
“Beth has been an active alum at UE and has done a great job of serving the community, March 26 will be a chance for all of us to give a little bit back to her,†Solinsky added.
Three other recipients of the Most Courageous Award have come from the University of Evansville. Former Sports Information Director Bob Boxell received the award in 2009 while women’s soccer play Abby Guerra was a 2010 recipient and Kwame James got it in 2002.
The Missouri Valley Conference presents the Most Courageous Award to a past or present student-athlete, coach or university administrator who demonstrates unusual courage in the face of personal illness, adversity or tragedy and whose behavior reflects honor on the institution or the Conference. Individuals receiving the award might also have performed heroic feats or otherwise inspired others.
