ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. - As NC Wesleyan's week of awards announcements continues, Thursday brings the announcement of the Jim Sabiston Courage Award winner and this year that honor goes to men's soccer's senior midfielder, Mamadou Jallow.

Jallow, known by his teammates as "Lahm" (nicknamed after a famous soccer player) lost his father at a young age and then moved to Maryland from Gambia, accompanied only by his siblings. He graduated from Jefferson High School (MD), and worked while putting himself through Hagerstown Community College. Upon graduating from Hagerstown, he continued working and playing soccer.

"His sister recently described to me the vision of Lahm returning from work, only to switch his bags and head to soccer practice," commented Jallow's head coach, Meir Lewin. "He would return late at night from training, and wake up early again the next morning to go to back work."

During his time at NC Wesleyan, he has continued supporting himself through school by working at various local hotels and restaurants.

"I only realized the magnitude of his work ethic when we returned from our championship trip to Covenant," continued Coach Lewin. "Returning to campus at 8am after riding the bus through the night, a community member and supporter notified me that Jallow was already back at work at Lou Reda's for his brunch shift that morning."

"That is typical Lahm. Never asking for special treatment and never complaining about how difficult things are, despite the fact that he had to work harder than his teammates in order to pay for school," said Lewin. "He never held anyone's privilege against them, even though he was headed to work after practice, while everyone else was headed to the cafeteria. He does everything with a smile."

"As a player, Jallow was feared by coaches around the conference, receiving Second Team All Conference recognition. Alongside teammate Joe Brooks, Lahm was our team captain. He was a combative figure in midfield, and would have played every minute of every game if I let him, never showing any weakness or fatigue," exclaimed Lewin.

"True to form, Lahm sacrificed on the field, doing the difficult "dirty work" so that others could succeed," said Coach Lewin. "The biggest compliment we can give him as a player, is that his partner in midfield, Jack Holden, voted for Lahm as MVP, despite fellow teammate and Conference Player of the Year Baboucarr Njie's incredible 15 goal season."

Jallow helped lead the Bishops to a 16-3-2 record this season and a conference tournament championship.

 Jallow is graduating from NCWC with a 3.44 GPA and has made the President's List 4 times.

Mitch Layton of the men's basketball team won last year's Sabiston Award.

Sabiston Courage Award Criteria

1. represents NCWC and the athletic dept. with class
2. strong character
3. role model to others
4. courage and perseverance 
5. leadership on and off the field
6. dedication to his sport
7. tireless work habits
8. progress towards graduation
9. impact on campus and community
10. outstanding ability and accomplished athlete
11. success of team