Texas Tech University Athletics
Double Duty
May 04, 2005 | Baseball
May 4, 2005
By Stephanie Orr, Texas Tech Athletic Media Relations
If anyone has a reason to brag, senior Cody Fuller does. Yet he remains humble in manner while saying his time at Texas Tech was a blessing and a lot of fun. Fuller has competed successfully in not one, but two Big 12 sports - football and baseball. A communication studies /political science major from Smithson Valley, he was recently honored with the High Senior Award for football. This award is presented to the graduating senior with the highest GPA on the team (3.48). He also received the most prestigious award bestowed upon an athlete at Texas Tech University: Male Student-Athlete of the Year.
Fuller has started every baseball game this season and owns the fourth-highest batting average on the team. His career batting average is .329. Last year, he was third in the Big 12 for stolen bases and started this season tied for fifth among all Tech players for stolen bases.
In football, he finished last season with 43 receptions and 505 yards, with a career total of 59 receptions and 751 yards.
Football Coach Mike Leach said Fuller contributed a great deal of stability to the football team.
"You could always count on him for a certain level of performance. He was very conscientious." Leach said.
Fuller pointed out that his motivation for success comes from being a competitor, and trying his best in whatever he is doing.
"I just want to be remembered as somebody who worked hard, was a competitor and got the job done," he said.
Baseball coach Larry Hays said Fuller is what every student-athlete should be. Playing baseball alone is a big enough accomplishment, but the fact that he has played two sports and been successful academically really says something.
"Some of these guys only play one sport and they're barely making it ... the big thing about Cody is that he's an example on the field, off the field and in the classroom. He's taking care of business," Hays explained.
Football academic adviser Darren Fort said he holds respect for Fuller as a person.
"Cody is without a doubt one of my favorite guys to deal with. He is a nice guy, which can be rare at times for someone who is so successful ... he doesn't have a big head," he said.
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Fort said players from each sport at Tech are nominated for Student-Athlete of the Year. The award is presented to someone who is a major player in their sport and has a good amount of community service under their belt. After a finalist is reached, the athletic department and university officials vote on the most deserving student-athlete.
"I tell you what, I was totally surprised when I heard I won (the award)," Fuller said. "I never had the chance to focus on school during one semester like some of the guys. To win (the award) playing both sports was one of the most gratifying things I've ever seen."
He said he has never received such a lofty award. Attending school at a large university and being named athlete of the year was really special. He attributed success in sports and academics to balancing and prioritizing his time.
"I think you have to understand school comes first ... you don't want to, you have to. I just focus on trying to make good grades in the classroom so I can be successful one day," Fuller said.
After graduation, he hopes for success in playing baseball at the next level. One day, he may study for the LSAT and attend law school. Leach said he is structured, planned out and goal-oriented.
"He has a plan with objectives and follows it as specifically as possible," Leach said
In his rare down time, Fuller has volunteered with organizations such as the Red Raiders Speakers Bureau, The Learning Bridge, and LISD Communities in Schools. He believes community service is something that should go hand-in-hand with being a student athlete at a major university.
"It's been a lot of fun. I was always there if they needed me and I said `heck yeah,' I'll go speak to these kids," he said. "Giving back to the community is something that comes with the territory."
He also added that his faith defines who he is as a person, and he tries to represent a Christ-like character every day he comes to the field.
As if that wasn't enough, Fuller's life changed in a big way this year. He was recently married.
"It's been a blessing and a lot of fun to come home to such a special woman ... to tell you the truth, she's put a lot of calming effects on my life."
If Fuller refuses to brag on himself, others will do the job.
"I'd like to have some more just like him," Hays said.