(Editor's Note:  This is the first of a series of stories of the RUDY Award finalists.  Two winners – one male and one female – will be announced at the conclusion of the end of the R.UD.Y.S. Awards Banquet on Monday.  

R.U.D.Y.S. stands for Recognition and celebration of University of Dayton student-athletes Year-end Showcase.  It is hosted by the UD Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and Dayton Athletics administration for the student-athletes to recognize individuals and teams for their accomplishments this past year.
 
These stories were written by students in Dr. Haozho Pu's HS 353 Sports Media class.)

Written by Sean Foster, Romeo Fabrice Yao, Anna McGinley

As the Rudy Award ceremony approaches at the University of Dayton, one nominee stands out not just for her prowess on the athletic field but also for her academic achievements and community spirit—Casey Bogues, a junior majoring in Middle Childhood Education and Intervention Specialist. With a focus on Language Arts and Social Studies and a Dyslexia Certificate, Casey exemplifies the spirit of a true Flyer.

From Middletown North High School in Red Bank, New Jersey, to the fields of Dayton, Casey has continually set the bar high. Her athletic resume is impressive, including titles such as the North 2 Group 3 State Sectional Champion for Javelin in 2018 and records in the Indoor Shuttle Hurdle Relay, Three Man Long Jump Relay, and Javelin. These accomplishments have earned her numerous accolades, including the Rising Star Award and Complete Athlete Award in consecutive years.
  

Beyond her athletic and academic pursuits, Casey enjoys hiking, biking, reading, and spending quality time with family and friends. These activities not only provide her with a well-rounded life but also enhance her role as a leader and mentor to younger students and athletes.

Q:What does being a Flyer mean to you?
A: "Being a Flyer means being there to represent our community because everyone is there for one another and we come from a community that is always there for each other. Everyone at Dayton supports each other and it has helped a lot in my athletic and academic career."

Q:What is one of the most influential moments in your athletic career?
A. "It was my redshirt freshman season. I was at regionals on the cusp of qualifying for nationals. The goal going into that year was just to qualify for regionals. I could not believe that I had surpassed such a goal. I became more confident in myself as an athlete and was able to see my capabilities beyond what I originally thought."

Q:Balancing sports and academics can be challenging. How do you organize your time effectively to ensure success in both areas?
A:"Practice takes up to 5-6 hours per day, including the warm-up and cool-down, so time management is absolutely essential to success as a student and athlete."

Q:How has being a student-athlete contributed to your personal growth and development?
A:"Time management in high school was very different than it is now and as the years have gone by, having underclassmen looking up to me has made me a better leader and person in general."

Q:What are your future goals and aspirations after graduating from UD?
A:"Finishing my eligibility as a track athlete is first and foremost. However, I am extremely excited to become a middle school language arts teacher and help a local high school's track and field team."