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The Outstanding Achievement Award cites the coach's contributions to the state and his community.
Bud Grant, a great three-sport athlete at the University of Minnesota and longtime successful football coach of the Vikings and the CFL's Winnipeg Blue Bombers, has been named the winner of an Outstanding Achievement Award from his alma mater.
The university's Board of Regents -- upon the recommendation of the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, the College of Education and Human Development and the All-University Honors Committee -- did the voting.
The Outstanding Achievement Award recognizes alumni who have attained unusual distinction in their chosen fields or profession, or in public service, and who have demonstrated outstanding leadership on a community, state, national or international level. It is one of the top awards given to university alumni.
In notifying Grant of the honor, University of Minnesota president Robert Bruininks wrote that "not only were you a tremendous athlete at the University of Minnesota, but you went on to become a legendary coach and an outstanding advocate for family, conservation and the environment. Your contributions to the university, your community and the state of Minnesota and beyond are significant."
Grant played and coached the Blue Bombers for 10 years and the Vikings for 18 years.
"Well, it's an honor to have something like this awarded," Grant said. "When you look at all the number of people who've won this award [1,127], that's certainly an elite group to be a part of and I'm very proud of it."
Among other Gophers athletes who have won this award are former football coach Bernie Bierman (for whom Bud played), Dave Winfield, Flip Saunders, Paul Molitor, Tony Dungy and Lou Nanne, all legendary names in university sports.
Recipients of the award receive a crystal obelisk and have their name engraved on the Alumni Wall of Honor located next to the McNamara Alumni Center.