TERRY CLAYTON

By Gail Hairston

This year’s winner of the Carol S. Adelstein Outstanding Student Award will not hear the applause as his name is called at the awards ceremony, but he will undoubtedly see the pride in the congratulatory smiles of his coaches, teammates and fellow students. He is University of Kentucky Football linebacker Terry Clayton.

Clayton will be presented with the Adelstein Award at a ceremony in 230 Student Center at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, April 13. He will be further honored with the cash award that accompanies the recognition at the campuswide Student Awards Ceremony at 7 p.m. April 19 in the Grand Ballroom of the UK Student Center.

Named for the wife of retired UK English professor Michael Adelstein, the award is presented annually to the student with a disability who best serves as an inspiration to the university community. Nominees for the Adelstein Award are evaluated through the excellence they demonstrate in academic achievement, leadership, extracurricular activities, and social or personal qualities.

Clayton, a junior majoring in kinesiology in the College of Education, lost his hearing at age 5 due to a bout of the chickenpox. He wears a hearing aid but most of his communications on and off the field are by sign and lip reading. He is an outstanding student in the classroom – he was named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll in his sophomore year – and a force to be dealt with on the gridiron.

“Terry has clearly demonstrated to his teammates and coaches what an outstanding person he is because of the way he has dealt with and overcome his disability,” said UK Football Head Coach Rich Brooks. “He has found ways to compensate. Our players love working with him. He gives you everything he has and takes a lot of pride in everything he does.”

Clayton joined the team as a walk-on, red-shirted his freshman year, then his raw strength, determination and instinct for the game began earning him playing time as a sophomore.

Linebackers Coach Chuck Smith said, “One of the things that make Terry special is that never once has he used his disability as an excuse not to do something. That is unique and shows great character on his part.

“On the field he is a strong, explosive player. He really pays attention and picks up things by watching. For that reason, he doesn’t make many mistakes,” said Smith.

A graduate of Logan County High School and a native of Olmstead, Ky., Clayton is the son of Betty and Jason Sydnor.

Updated on April 13, 2006 9:00 by the Webmaster - Content by Brad Duncan