Feb. 26, 2008

(CLARION, PA.): One hundred and four scholar-athletes were recognized and the women's basketball team was named the winner of the Carlson Cup during the 18th Annual Clarion University Bob Carlson Scholar-Athlete Luncheon held recently at Chandler Dining Hall.

The 104 athletes recognized represent 34 percent of Clarion University's student-athletes. Student-athletes are recognized by either achieving a cumulative quality-point average of 3.20 or higher, or had two consecutive semesters of 3.2 GPA or higher in the spring and fall 2007 semesters. Freshmen and transfer students who achieve a 3.2 GPA or higher in Fall 2007 also are eligible to receive the award.

The student-athletes are asked to bring a guest, who has influenced their university life in some fashion. They introduce that person when they receive their certificate.

Athletic director Dave Katis presented the Bob Carlson Academic Team Award to women's basketball coach Margaret "Gie" Parsons. Seven members of the women's basketball team were honored at the luncheon. The women's tennis team was the 2007 recipient of the award.

The award was initiated to recognize the most improved athletic team GPA. Points were awarded for team ranking based on team GPA, GPA equal to or greater than team GPA, and improvement of the team GPA compared to the previous year's GPA. The Carlson Cup and the scholar athlete luncheon are both named in honor of retired Clarion University athletic director Bob Carlson, who served at Clarion from 1987-2005.

"We are proud of you in terms of how you believe," said Clarion University President Joseph Grunenwald during his remarks. "We see what you have done in competition and the classroom. We are grateful that you share your talents with us. You live a good, strong academic life and compete. You prove that you can live life in balance. You are good athletes, good students, and good leaders. Thank you for being role models for all of us."

Dr. Kevin Roth, faculty athletic representative, welcomed the athletes and their guests to the luncheon and introduced Clarion University administration in attendance. Katis introduced several corporate sponsors of Clarion University athletics who attended the luncheon.

The student/athletes recognized included:

BASEBALL - Doug Brown, Adam Foltz, Kirk Hays, Eric Panko, Andrew Petruska, Travis Rhoads, and Sean Zimmerman.

MEN'S BASKETBALL - Peter Baschnagel, and Denzil Dennison.

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL - Jessica Albanese, Rachael Franklin, Ashley Grimm, Bethany Koch, Sara Pratt, Shaina Smith, and Janelle Zabresky.

WOMEN'S CROSS COUNTRY/TRACK & FIELD - Kate Ehrensberger, Diana Kress, Amanda Maholtz, Caitlin Palko, Katherine Reinhart, Erin Richard, Suzanne Schwerer, Molly Smathers, Ann Stinson, Andrea Strickenberger.

FOOTBALL - Eric Bruno, Kyle Cathcart, Jason Glass, Robert Kail, Kory Kusick, Robert Mamula, Colin McDonough, Nicholas Sipes, Shawn Sopic.

GOLF - Nick Brucker, Justin Cameron, Jared Schmader.

SOCCER - Ashlea Cowher, Lisa Crist, Ashley Downs, Abigail Fazio, Norika Francis-Mezger, Jessica Glasgow, Tiffany Mason, Jillian Miller, Kendra Patterson, Danielle Riley, Rachael Schmitz, Ashlyn Schriefer, Gina Shero, Kayla Tomblin, Alaina Tintera, Aimee Zellers.

SOFTBALL - Katie Baun, Ashley Grisnik, Jenelle Hallowell, Dana Johnson, Kara Kelosky, Caitlin Lamison, Corinna Sternthal.

SWIMMING & DIVING (MEN) - Grey Arrigonie, Mike Cohen, Richard Eckert, James Kane, Luke Wilmoth.

SWIMMING & DIVING (WOMEN) - Margaret Bentley, Sari Cattoni, Stevie Coble, Whitney Dudek, Jena Gardone, Laura Herron, Mary Kaveney, Lori Leitzinger, Jamie Maloney, Jessica Munoz, Teagan Riggs.

TENNIS - Lisa Baumgartner, Brittany Bovalino, Lauren Eonta, Kassie Leuschel, Corin Rombach.

VOLLEYBALL - Nicole Andrusz, Amanda Angermeier, Katie Aurand, Joy Carey, Tressa Dvorsky, Kristi Fiorillo, Sarah Fries, Danielle Hughes, Sarah Sheffield, Amanda Stefanov, Christina Steiner, Haley White, Lauren Wiefling, and Lindsay Wiefling.

WRESTLING - Hadley Harrison, Jay Ivanco, Tony Lascari, Cameron Moran, Andrew Smith.