Presented to a student athlete who has defied odds from an injury or illness, and showed perseverance, faith and dedication on the road to recovery. This year's recipient, R.J. Mattison (Hamden, CT/Hamden), has done that and more. On February 22, 2008 this basketball player's career changed in an instant. Following practice, he was involved in a car accident in the midst of a snowstorm and his femur was fractured and he had a large laceration across his abdomen. A metal rod was placed in his leg as well at four screws (two at the hip, one in the middle of his thigh, and one at the knee), as well as 25 staples in his leg and five to close the gash on his stomach. He spent two and a half weeks in the hospital and another two and a half months on crutches before starting physical therapy in the summer of 08. He was allowed to start running in August and released from physical therapy in September, just prior to the start of his senior season of basketball. He worked hard, never gave up, and participated fully in the 2008-2009 season with the metal rod still present in his leg. He finished his career participating in 93 games, 145 field goals made, 52 field goals from behind the arc, and an astonishing 82% free throw percentage. In addition, he added 110 rebounds, 59 assists and 51 steals.