Gaucho athletes recognized for academics

The Saddleback College athletes collected on Monday in the gymnasium to recognize those that had achieved academic success for the 2014-15 calendar year.  More than 120 athletes were recognized by coaches and administrators for their work in the classroom.

Saddleback has a proud tradition of academic success for its athletes and the past 12 months have been another banner year off the field of play.  An estimated 42% of the athletes achieved honor roll status with 17 achieving a perfect 4.0 GPA for the fall semester of 2014. 

Coaches, college administrators, trustee members and staff members took time to recognize the best of the best in what has become an annual tradition on campus.  They were all presented with awards for success and honored for their dedication.

In addition, a handful of athletes were recognized with higher awards.  Sarah Schmitt (aquatics) and Chandler Smith (softball) were named Co-Female Academic-Athlete of the-Year (pictured) while Isaac Schmitt (aquatics) and Trent Speetzen (T&F) were named Co-Male Academic Athlete-of-the-Year.

The Tom Padberg Memorial Scholarship Award is handed out to the athlete that displays success in academics, leadership, sportsmanship, respect, caring, fairness, civility, honesty, integrity, passion and responsibility.  This year's winner was Danyelle Allen from the women's soccer team.

The Richard McCullough Character Champion Award is given to those that display leadership, scholarship, integrity, respect, honesty and caring.  The award-winners for this year were men's basketball player Dusty Baker and women's golfer Rina Tomihari.

Congrats to all!