BIDDEFORD, Maine -- University of New England Director of Athletics Curt Smyth announced today (Apr. 19) the creation of the James A. Beaudry Award, named in honor of the former director of athletics and coach at St. Francis College for 21 years.

The award will be presented annually to the UNE student-athlete who has not only demonstrated exemplary sportsmanship, but has also made a significant contribution to the Athletics Department and to campus life at the University.

"We are pleased to create this award that will honor a very deserving student-athlete," Smyth commented. "Mr. Beaudry had a distinguished career here and displayed the qualities of sportsmanship, class and service that is the hallmark of NCAA Division III athletics. Our staff felt it appropriate that this prestigious award be named after someone who has made so many contributions to the University and continues to be such a loyal supporter of the Nor'easters.

Inducted into UNE's Hall of Fame in its inaugural class in 2005, Beaudry coached baseball, men's basketball, men's soccer, cross country, and men's golf at St. Francis before it became the University of New England. He has also been enshrined in the New England Basketball Hall of Fame and the Maine Sports Legends Hall of Honor. In August, Beaudry will be honored as a Maine Basketball Hall of Fame Legend of the Game.