Campus News

Westminster College Leader in Men's Soccer NAIA Scholar Athlete Awards

Griffins recognized regionally and nationally for academic excellence

Contact: Stephanie Carter (801) 832-2682

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 14, 2011

SALT LAKE CITY – For the third consecutive year, Westminster’s men’s soccer team leads the nation with one of the highest number of National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Scholar Athletes.

Seven team members received the national scholar-athlete award, which requires players to be a junior or above in academic standing with a grade point average of 3.5. Only two other schools of the 200 nationwide that are eligible for the award had seven team members awarded the same title.

Within the Frontier Conference, Westminster also showed impressive academic standing with 19 players receiving the Academic All-Conference Award. Players must maintain a 3.4 grade point average for the entire academic year.

“This is as important to me as winning a conference title,” said Coach Christopher Dorich. “This reflects what we are about at Westminster. We’re not just bringing in students for the athletics. We strive for academic excellence and push the quality of our education as well.”

Coach Dorich also feels the players’ performance on and off the field set a high-standard for future Griffins.

“Our players are focused on school and learn the challenges of balancing a tough schedule. Good time management is integral to our program. They learn to balance school, work and play, and our new recruits learn to follow in their footsteps.”

Recipients of the NAIA Scholar Athlete Award are Gary Gonzalez*, Jason Tanner, Jesse Blais, James Kuhn**, Conner Kay, Jay McConogha and Spencer Luczak*.

Recipients of the Academic All-Conference Award are Gary Gonzalez, Jason Tanner, Jesse Blais, James Kuhn, Conner Kay, Jay McConogha, Spencer Luczak, Nate Young, Damir Sabanovic, Robert Ward, Kaden Anselmo, Nikolai Dziezyc, Gabe Gonzalez, Ryan Holmes, Alex Rogiers, John Burton, Chaise Shafer, Nic Duncan, and Jonathan Parker.

*Denotes second-time recipient of award
**Denotes third-time recipient of award