Concordia's Andria Castillo Recipient of NAIA-CTSA 'All That's Right in Sport' Honor
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) announced this afternoon its decision to award the NAIA-Citizenship Through Sports Alliance (CTSA) “All that’s Right in Sport” award to Andria Castillo of Concordia (Ore.) University. The 3rd Annual “All that’s Right in Sport” award honors a member institution, team or individual whose actions have clear connections to sportsmanship paired with a story that motivates and inspires.
The sportsmanship award celebrates Castillo’s great success on the track as well as her contributions to her team away from competition. Castillo, 32, is a cross country and track and field athlete that will soon be finishing a remarkable journey by graduating this spring with a degree in business administration. It’s a dream that she has steadfastly held to as an aid to ease some of the pain in her past.
Castillo grew up in Oregon City, Oregon, and looking at her, you’d have little sense of the hardships she has endured. Her life was filled with both struggle and adversity, but in the face of it all she managed to rise above each challenge one by one. Although it wasn’t easy, Castillo’s desire to run and get an education fueled her long journey.
The daughter of a single parent, Castillo often cared for her younger and older sisters while her mother was working three jobs to support the family. Castillo learned from her mother that she would have to work hard and nothing in life was easy. Her life had the recurring theme of overcoming obstacles, not only physically, but mentally as well. However being able to conquer different barriers proved an important trait in Castillo’s journey. It’s an attribute equally important in her life today.
At only 16, Castillo took a job at McDonalds to help support her family. While Castillo juggled a full-time job and school work she discovered her love of running. She joined the cross country and track team but quit two years later because she didn’t feel she had the support she needed from the coach and her teammates. Now, the extra time she had she devoted to her family and work. During this time Castillo was promoted to manager, got married and had her first child at the age of 19. Two years later she found herself as a single parent working to provide for a family of her own.
She left McDonalds and took a job as a packaging clerk at Kaiser Permanente. She was soon promoted to lead staffer with a future goal to be in a management role. However in order to get there Castillo understood she would need a college degree. Having recently run a road race with her sister, Castillo thought maybe she could use her love of running to open a door at a local university. She wanted to prove to her family and children that it is never too late to live out your dreams.
Castillo found Concordia University (CU) in Portland, Oregon. Without the full support of some family and friends she had hoped for, Castillo continued to pursue her lifelong dream. Despite a minor setback with a foot injury Castillo pushed on and became a member of the Cavaliers cross country team. All of life’s hardships as a child allowed Castillo to see the need to push through adversity to provide a better life for her family.
“I am so thankful for everything that I have at CU,” said Castillo. “I feel blessed because I have such a great support system in the team and I know that even if no one in my family is at the meets my team is always going to be there for me.”
Castillo adds, “I knew I needed to dedicate myself and ensure that I not only meet my goals but exceeded them. In order to reach those goals I have to be dedicated 110%, and have the fight, drive and dedication.”
Through life’s challenges, the give and take with running and even an injury, Castillo pushed herself through to the top. Last year she qualified for the NAIA Indoor Championships in the 3,000 where she ran a school-record (10:23.46) in the preliminaries. At the 2009 NAIA Outdoor Track and Field National Championships, she competed in the final in the 1,500 where she earned All-American honors with a third place finish. Castillo finished the season by registering outdoor school records in the 1,500 with a 4:34.25 and in the 5,000 with a 17:28.86. Just as impressive as her times is her willingness to give back to the team that has ultimately given her so much.
“She has been an inspiration to her teammates by showing a positive attitude about everything she does,” said Randy Dalzell, Concordia University head cross country coach. “Whether she is working her full-time job, taking care of her family, doing all her evening coursework or just completing a very challenging training session, she always has a very upbeat approach to it all and shares that enthusiasm with her team and coaches. She believes in the system we have put in place for her and does all the little things she has to in order to get the best results.”
Dalzell added, “What really makes Andria special is that most people would have given up on college and competitive running if they had faced the setbacks and barriers that she has. At 32, with three children, a full-time job and a socioeconomic and personal background that reinforced some very low standards and probably encouraged her to just give up on her dreams, she did just the opposite. She attacked them with all her might and, as a result, has become one of the top female athletes in the NAIA.”
Castillo’s life story reveals the hardships she has endured and the triumphs she has seen as a result of her will, drive and determination. This young lady decided to make the best of her future, working hard to receive an education and pursue her love of running. Throughout it all Castillo has become a much stronger person.
Castillo, selected from a field of many qualified candidates, will be recognized at the 12th Annual National Sportsmanship Awards hosted by the St. Louis Sports Commission and the Citizenship Through Sports Alliance in fall of 2010. The National Sportsmanship Awards celebrates athletes, programs and personalities from around the nation that exemplify outstanding sportsmanship, citizenship, ethical conduct and community service. It is one of the most prestigious sports awards events in the country. The awards program features major league superstars and local favorites, as well as individuals who may not necessarily be household names, but bring with them the most heartwarming stories.
This event is the signature event of the St. Louis Sports Commission’s Sportsmanship Initiative. By recognizing the outstanding individuals who set the standard with their approach on and off the field, the St. Louis Sports Commission hopes to set the tone for all parents, coaches and fans to be “good sports” and pass those values on to children in the community. To learn more about the National Sportsmanship Awards contact the St. Louis Sports Commission at 314-992-0687.
NAIA
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) is the governing body for athletics programs at its nearly 300 colleges and universities throughout the United States and Canada. The long-held mission of the NAIA is to promote the education and development of well-rounded students and productive citizens through intercollegiate athletics. The association offers equitable access and opportunities for participation in its 23 national championship events held annually throughout the country.
Today, the NAIA strengthens its commitment to student-athletes and strives to enrich their college experience by supporting academic achievement and character development. NAIA Champions of Character is the association’s innovative flagship program designed to instill character values in student-athletes, coaches and youth in the communities it serves.