(Ann Arbor, MI) – Cheer's Jesus (Paulo) Pulido is the 2023-24 Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) winner of the A. O. Duer Scholarship Award. The Duer award is named in honor of the NAIA's former executive secretary who served the association for 26 years. This award has been annually presented since 1967 to a male and female junior student-athlete in any sport who has excelled in scholarship, character, and citizenship. Pulido will now be forwarded to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) for national consideration.

"To spend any time with Jesus it to honestly just love and appreciate this student athlete," said Cheer Head Coach Kate Edge. "He is personable, energetic and supportive. From his dedication to his own team, to cheering on other sports on campus, Jesus gives his all. In addition, at any cheer meet he attends, you can find him front and center rooting on other teams, sharing compliments with them after performances or looking to make friendly connections with individuals all in the mission of sportsmanship."

Prior to the start of this 2023-2024 competitive year Jesús sustained a fractured navicular, and a dislocation in his foot. His journey to recovering included multiple surgeries with a relocation and metal rod insertion and removal, hours of rehabilitation, 4 weeks in a cast, 8 weeks in a walking boot and an overall mental commitment to return to the mat. "Even in December, we were not certain if he would have any capacity to compete for this past year," said Edge. "The severity and rareness of his injury were not enough to stop his spirit to compete, with and for his team. His motivation, dedication and determination to have a competitive experience in 23-24 was evident to everyone."

Edge continued, "When the time came, and he was cleared, Jesús earned the chance and then in late January of 2024 gained a spot back on the mat. After not cheering for nearly 7 months his hard work and mental focus had him marked as a key contributor from the get go. He was instrumental in helping the cheer team to earn their 5th CIT Championship, 6th WHAC Conference Championship and a top 4 placement at the NAIA National Championship."

"Jesus is key positive member of not just his team, or athletic department, but the Concordia Ann Arbor Campus as a whole," said Edge. "He is out front giving tours to prospective students, making sure the campus's Center for Intercultural Affairs house is always clean, stocked and a positive space for campus. Jesús helps to engage the community in all things Concordia. He is generous with his time and support. He is courageous, when he is comfortable to share his not so easy background and path to Concordia. He appreciates the opportunities afforded him and works to give back at every chance."

Pulido also recently became a U.S. citizen. "Jesus's recent attainment of U.S. citizenship is a testament to his resilience, commitment to embracing new opportunities and contributing positively to our community," said Cheer Head Assistant Coach Shanitra Cheff. "His journey to citizenship has been marked by perseverance and dedication, qualities that are evident in all areas of his life."

Pulido is the second Cardinal to receive the Duer Award, as he follows football's Peter Morrison, who won the award in the 2018-19 season. He joins Rochester Christian's Heather Eller as the WHAC's 2023-24 A. O. Duer Scholarship Award winners.

"Jesus's combination of hard work and positive attitude has had a tremendous impact on the dynamics of his team and also our entire athletic department," said Athletic Director Lonnie Pries. "Jesus is the type of student athlete we want to build our programs around and we are very blessed to have him here at Concordia University Ann Arbor."