April 11, 2008

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Marshall University senior catcher Rachel Folden and Tulsa first baseman Sara Dyer were selected as a finalist for the Lowe's Senior Class Award Monday.

The seniors are one of 10 finalists for the award, who were chosen from a list of 30 candidates based on personal qualities that define a complete student athlete. These four primary areas of criteria include: classroom, community, character and competition.

The winner of the award is determined by online fan voting at www.softball.seniorclassaward.com

Folden has exemplified the role of a student-athlete during her four years at Marshall. She was a 2007 Cam Henderson Scholarship Recipient and was named the 2006 FCA West Virginia Athlete of the Year. She has qualified for the Dean's List six times and was selected as a NFCA Academic All-American in 2007.

Folden has also donated many hours to the Huntington community with projects such as the Sweetheart Clinic for National Women in Sports Day along with National Read to Me Day, where Folden read to local grade school students. She has also spent time in clean-up projects and has worked with the Point Pleasant girls softball youth league working in camps and clinics.

In addition, she has volunteered for Lend a Hand Foundation, passing out gifts to underprivileged children in Los Angeles, Calif., and she has been a "Big Sis" to girls in Huntington, serving as a positive role model to local youth.

On the field, the three-time All-Conference member has continued to rewrite the MU record book. She owns the all-time home run record with 51 and is the all-time RBI leader with 188. She'll leave Marshall as one of the most highly decorated players in the program's history.

This season, Dyer's .325 batting average ranks second on the squad. She has also posted the second most doubles of not only the team, but the conference as well (14). Dyer already owns TU records for doubles in a game, in a season and a career, along with numerous others.

The idea of an award to salute collegiate seniors was conceived by sportscaster Dick Enberg, who continues to serve as Honorary Chairman. It was inspired by the trend of college basketball players leaving college early to turn professional. The Senior CLASS Award was formed to honor senior student-athletes who fulfill their entire collegiate athletic eligibility, earn a college degree and give back to their community.

An acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School, the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award has developed into the nation's premier tribute to college seniors. The award, which launched in 2001 with college basketball, is now in its second year for softball. Arizona outfielder Caitlin Lowe won the inaugural softball division award in 2007.

"These young women are outstanding student-athletes who deserve recognition for their all-around achievements in the classroom, in the community and on the field," said Bob Gfeller, Lowe's Senior Vice President of Marketing and Advertising. "The Lowe's Senior CLASS Award is dedicated to honoring senior collegians that are making an impact on others with their talents. This is an impressive group of individuals and we commend each of them, along with their respective coaches and universities."

The 2008 finalists are: Callista Balko, University of Arizona, Beth Boden, Tennessee Tech University, Sara Dyer, University of Tulsa, Lauren Eckermann, University of Oklahoma, Rachel Folden, Marshall University, Jordan Praytor, University of Alabama, Megan Rhodes, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Anjelica Selden, UCLA, Angelia Tincher, Virginia Tech and Sandy Vojik, DePaul University.