TEMPE, Ariz. - Superlatives flow freely in the world of sports - sometimes far too freely. Gushy words like courage, hero and sacrifice are thrown around without much concern as to whether or not they are truly deserved.    Occasionally, however, those superlatives are right on the money.  They certainly fit Olympic gold and bronze medalist Rulon Gardner, mountain climber Aron Ralston, surfer Bethany Hamilton and Arizona State University's own Emmanuel Franklin.  All four athletes' unbelievable sacrifices for their sports will all be honored during the 12th Annual Gene Autry Courage Awards, scheduled at 6 p.m. on March 21, 2005 at Tempe's Wyndham Buttes Resort, 2000 Westcort Way.    Thom Brennaman, the television voice of the Arizona Diamondbacks, will MC the event. Tickets are $150 each, and are available by calling 480-940-8666.  Individual sponsorship packages are also available.     Ralston, Gardner and Hamilton will all receive Gene Autry Courage Awards, while Franklin will be honored with the inaugural Pat Tillman Leadership Award. A synopsis of the four athletes being honored follows:    Gene Autry Courage Award Winners    
Rulon Gardner: As a Greco-Roman wrestler, Rulon Gardner has literally conquered the world, earning an Olympic gold medal in 2000 with a legendary win over Russia's previously unbeaten Aleksandr Karelin (known in wrestling circles as the "Miracle on the Mat"), a 2001 World Championship and a bronze medal at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. Yet, Gardner's greatest challenge occurred nowhere near a wrestling mat.    While snowmobiling in 2002, he got stuck in a snow packed riverbed.  Temperatures hovered at -25 degrees, and rescuers wouldn't find him for more than 18 hours.  Gardner credits his bulk and his faith in God for saving him.  While his body temperature dropped to potentially fatal 88 degrees, he would only lose the middle toe.    While tragedy might slow down others, it didn't stop Gardner at all.  He went on to capture a Bronze medal at the 2004 Olympics in Athens.  Following his victory over Iran's Sajad Barzi to secure the bronze medal, Gardener performed an emotional retirement rite to pay homage to the wrestling gods - he left his shoes at the center of the mat.    Gardner recently made his mixed martial arts professional debut in Japan's PRIDE promotion.  He has also served as a color commentator for the new RealProWrestling promotion, which debuts on PAX TV and Fox Sports Net this March.
    
Aron Ralston: During a 2003 climb in eastern Utah, trained mountaineer Aron Ralston faced a truly horrific decision - amputate his right arm with a pocketknife or face certain death.  Ralston was attempting to climb across an 800-pound boulder when it dislodged, trapping his right arm.  Finally, five days later with no water and little hope of survival, Ralston saved himself through the amputation.    The tragic event hasn't slowed him down.   Ralston has climbed 111 Colorado peaks over 13,800 feet, completing many of the climbs solo during the dead of winter.  He has also climbed over the volcanoes of the Cascades and, as of late 2003, completed solo climbs of 45 of Colorado's 59 14,000-foot peaks.
    
Bethany Hamilton: 14-year-old Bethany Hamilton was well on her way toward her dream of becoming a professional surfer.  The Princeville, Kauai -based teen began surfing competitively at age 11, and by age 13 she was well respected in her sport. Tragedy nearly ended her dreams, however.  On Oct. 31, 2003, Bethany was attacked by a 14-foot tiger shark. She lost her left arm just below her shoulder, but miraculously survived the attack.    Bethany's dream of becoming a pro surfer also amazingly lives on. Only months after the tragic incident, Bethany amazed thousands by earning a fifth-place finish at the 2004 National Scholastic Surfing Association (NSSA) Nationals Championships.  In September 2004, she then captured the Open Women's Division of the NSSA's Hawaiian conference season opener. She also has secured a place on the USA National Surfing Team.
      Pat Tillman Leadership Award Winner    
Emmanuel Franklin: Emmanuel Franklin, a starting safety with Arizona State University' football team is coming off his most successful season,  starting in all 12 of ASU's games and recording a career high 49 tackles. As impressive as his on-field statistics were, the fact that he ever returned to the field at all might be even more impressive.    During preseason workouts in 2002, Franklin suffered a potentially fatal subdural hematoma, a severe head injury resulting in the collection of blood between the outer and middle layers of the covering of the brain.  During surgery, a dime-sized hole was drilled into his skull to relieve pressure.  Franklin missed the entire 2002 season, but he refused to let the injury end his career.  He would return to limited practices in December 2002 and to full contact in March 2003. Franklin will thrill Sun Devil fans again next year - he was granted an extra year of eligibility by the NCAA.

    All four award winners' triumphs will be celebrated at the Gene Autry Courage Awards. Angels Care, a fund of the Robert R. McCormick Tribune Foundation, and the Tempe Sports Authority, will present the event.  Proceeds from the Gene Autry Courage Awards will benefit Angels Care and will fund scholarship programs for minority students at Arizona's three state universities, selected community colleges and local youth charities.