Paul Pitts III Named Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar of the Year

San Diego State University football player Paul Pitts III has been named the Arthur Ashe Jr. Male Sports Scholar of the Year by “Diverse: Issues in Higher Education.” The award goes to one male and one female student-athlete who best exemplifies the standards of scholarship, athleticism and humanitarianism.

Both Pitts III and Andraya Carter, the female winner, will be featured in a special Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholars edition slated for publication on April 21.

Pitts III, who is pursuing a joint bachelor’s and master’s degree in religion and liberal arts and sciences, played four seasons with the Aztecs, including 11 of the team’s 14 games this past year for the 2015 Mountain West championship team. Over his career, he logged playing time in 18 games, making two catches for 23 yards (11.5 avg.). Pitts III finished with a perfect 4.00 GPA last semester en route to earning the team’s President’s Award, presented to the player who has achieved the highest standards of athlete and academic excellence.

In 2013, Pitts III was the recipient of the Famous Idaho Sports Medicine Institute Humanitarian Award, which goes to a player who has given the most to himself in service for others. The service to others includes work with youth, hospitals, the elderly, leadership programs, family and any other activities which helps others.

Pitts III recently returned from a mission trip to East Asia and plans to use his Christian ministry to serve others in his community and throughout the world.

Aztec Football 2016

SDSU kicks off the 2016 campaign at home against New Hampshire on Sept. 3. SDSU is accepting new account deposits on 2016 season tickets through the Aztec Ticket Office. Additionally, current season-ticket holders can renew their tickets for the 2016 season. Fans can purchase tickets through GoAztecs.com, over the phone by calling (619) 283-7378, or by visiting Qualcomm Stadium's Window E between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.