Gauchos celebrate academic success

The Saddleback athletics department held its annual scholar-athlete luncheon on Monday to recognize those that had experienced success in the classroom.  Nearly 200 athletes were acknowledged as 16 teams eclipsed a cumulative 3.0 GPA or better.

The success in the classroom has never been better, with 80% of the teams on campus (16-of-20) having GPA's in excess of 3.0.  None were better than women's tennis, who collected a cumulative 3.57 GPA as a team.  Of the nine players on the women's tennis team, four were scholar-athletes with both Ashley Glick and Maddison Serklew being recognized with a 4.0 GPA.  A total of 64 athletes on campus had a perfect 4.0 GPA, with close to 200 making the honor roll.

The athletes were treated to sandwiches, soft drinks and collected achievement awards as part of the annual, year-end celebration.  A number of dignitaries were in attendance, with Athletic Director/Dean of Kinesiology and Athletics Tony Lipold serving as the master of ceremony.

In addition, a handful of athletes were recognized with higher awards. 

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 Markus Boyer (pictured right) from the football 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 baseball player Luke Jarvis (pictured left) and women's soccer player Brittany Bartle (pictured center).

Congrats again to all those that were recognized!!!  GO GAUCHOS