Belmont University’s scholar-athletes were honored Monday in a special ceremony in the Maddox Grand Atrium, as numerous administrative officials remarked on Belmont athletes’ academic achievements and strong character. Dr. John Gonas, who won the 2008 Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) Faculty Academic Inspiration Award, noted his pride in Belmont athletes in three distinct areas: balance, conduct and humility, and community involvement.
“I have three boys who are 9, 7 and 4 1/2 who love sports just about more than anything else, and my boys look up to you more than professional athletes,” Gonas said, remarking how one son had chosen his team number based on his favorite player at Belmont. “Thank you for being examples on the court, in the field, in the classroom and in the community.”
For the first time this year, four co-winners were announced for the President’s Scholar Athletes of the Year awards, marking the strength of this year’s field of candidates. Belmont President Dr. Bob Fisher ultimately doubled the traditional number of recipients, honoring volleyball’s Cat Mundy, women’s golfer Lorie Warren, men’s basketball’s Andy Wicke and cross country/track & field athlete Kipkosgei Magut.
Click the “more” link below for a complete list of award winners.
Belmont Scholar-Athlete Recognition Reception Awards:
President’s Scholar-Athletes of the Year:
This award is bestowed by the university’s president to one female and one male student-athlete demonstrating a superior combination of performance in the classroom and in athletic competition.
Cat Mundy (volleyball)
Lorie Warren (women’s golf)
Andy Wicke (men’s basketball)
Kipkosgei Magut (cross country, track & field)
Robert E. Barnes Outstanding Senior Scholar-Athlete Award:
This postgraduate scholarship was established to honor Belmont University’s first All-American student-athlete, Robert E. Barnes, and to encourage and inspire outstanding academic achievements on the part of student-athletes at Belmont.
Caleb Swartz (men’s track & field, cross country)
Director of Athletics’ Character Award:
For demonstrating those values which reflect the highest standards and exemplify the true nature of the student-athlete.
Tatiana Pozo (women’s tennis)
Matthew Dotson (men’s basketball)
Graduating Senior Academic Achievement Awards:
Mollie Schlarman (women’s track & field, cross country)
Caleb Swartz (men’s track & field, cross country)
SAAC Academic Inspiration Awards:
Faculty: Dr. Rich Tiner
Staff: Steve Barrick
The David Fish Award:
Reid Buck
Academic Achievement Awards (highest GPA per team):
Baseball: Mark Noth
Men’s Basketball: Matthew Dotson
Women’s Basketball: LaWanna Holiday
Cheerleading: Kristina Graham
Men’s Cross Country: William Peters
Women’s Cross Country: Mollie Schlarman
Men’s Golf: Danny Amundson
Women’s Golf: Lauren Oeser
Men’s Soccer: Cyrus Eaton
Women’s Soccer: Elizabeth Bublis
Softball: Erin Gier
Men’s Tennis: Fausto Rocha
Women’s Tennis: Tatiana Pozo
Men’s Track & Field: William Peters
Women’s Track & Field: Mollie Schlarman
Volleyball: Cat Mundy
