RUSTON ââ'¬" Louisiana Tech football letterman Josh Gaston is the University's and one of 14 league recipients of the Conference USA Fall Spirit of Service Award, announced by the league office today.

The C-USA Spirit of Service Award is designed to recognize the community service efforts of the league's student-athletes, based upon significant community service, good academic standing and participation in their elected sport. The Spirit of Service Award will be presented three times throughout the season, with today's honorees representing Conference USA's fall sports: football, soccer, volleyball and cross country.

The senior tight end for the Bulldogs was an important member of the offense and the special teams unit in all 12 games, making two starts.. A native of Olive Branch, Mississippi, Gaston transferred from Northwest Mississippi Community College in 2014.

Since coming to the Ruston community, Gaston has volunteered for the Ruston Fire Department and 4 Paws Rescue, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to the well-being of stray, abandoned and neglected animals of Lincoln Parish.

Gaston and his Bulldog teammates traveled to New Orleans today to begin final preparations for Saturday's game against Arkansas State in the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. Tickets for the contest are still on sale through the Louisiana Tech Ticket Office at 318-257-3631.