Iowa State’s athletic program has brought the university many awards this year.

Last week it reeled in two more, although they weren’t just athletic awards.

Former men’s basketball player Paul Shirley and ISU high-jumper Gina Curtis were named as two of 13 Big 12 athletes awarded $5,000 postgraduate scholarships by the Big 12 Conference.

To be eligible for the award, student-athletes must achieve a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher, as well as participate in at least two years of intercollegiate sports at their university.

They must also complete their athletic eligibility and be on track to graduate within 15 months of finishing.

The committee also looks at extracurricular activities and awards, such as All-Conference and All-America honors.

Prentice Gautt, Associate Commissioner for the Big 12 Conference, said this award is special.

“It is such a tough, tough award to receive because of the criteria the student athletes are up against,” he said.

“The slate of candidates was so outstanding this year, that the committee had to expand the list of recipients to 13.”

He felt it really spoke well of Iowa State to have two winners in one year.

Gautt said Shirley has worked hard and was very deserving of the scholarship.

“Paul is just such an outstanding student,” Gautt said.

Gautt also said he felt the same way when it came to Curtis.

“Gina is a great person, in business and track,” he said.