Student Athlete of the Month 2009-2010

­­­­­­­ ­­­­­The Student Athlete of the Month program recognizes both the academic and athletic achievements of Clark's student athletes. Two recipients are selected each month by a committee that includes Clark College coaches, athletic department personnel, fellow students, and members of the community.


 

Student Athletes for the Month of May 2010

Student Athlete Lacey Franklin ­­Lacey Franklin

Sophomore, Softball

­Over the past two seasons Lacey has been a stalwart for the Penguin softball team.  Playing mostly as a catcher, she has maintained a .968 fielding percentage which lead the team this season. Lacey also was one of the leaders on the team with a .337 batting average, which over the last month, she raised from .302. She did this by putting together an eight-game hitting streak at the end of the season that helped keep the team in several games.  Lacey’s field presence will be greatly missed as she has caught over 75% of the games the last two years.

In the classroom Lacey has also been a standout. Maintaining a 3.56 GPA, she was selected for the All-Academic NWAACC team. Her hard work in the classroom and on the field has drawn interest from several different four-year schools. ­—­ Kasey Powers, Head Softball Coach

 

Student  Athlete Justin Hansen­­Justin Hansen


Freshman, Track & Field

Justin Hansen comes to us from Columbia River High School, Vancouver, WA. He is a hardworking, dedicated student athlete on and off the field. Justin completed his season with a win at the NWAACC meet in Spokane in the Triple Jump with a jump of 46’ 10¼". This was a three feet personal record from high school. Justin is a great addition to our track and field program and we look forward to seeing him further his academic and athletic goals next year.  ­—­ Amber Moore, Head Track and Field Coach

 

Student Athletes for the Month of April 2010

Student Athlete Lindsay Sasse ­­Lindsay Sasse

Softball

­Lindsay has been a top performer, both inside the classroom and on the softball field. Academically, she achieved a 4.0 GPA fall quarter, and has maintained a high standard of success with her GPA the remainder of the year. 

Originally a walk-on, Lindsay worked hard in the fall and winter to receive an athletic scholarship. Her primary position is outfield, but early in the season she also filled in as a starting pitcher.  Collecting three wins in April, as well as hitting a .312 for the season with ten runs batted in, Lindsay's highlight for the month was filling in as a pitcher, including throwing five innings of relief pitcher against Southwestern Oregon and keeping the game close until she hit a Grand Slam in the 6th inning to put Clark ahead, 5-4. Though the game ended in a loss, Lindsay only gave up one earned run in relief, and batted in all five runs against a very strong team.

Lindsay is a hard working player who does not take herself too seriously and can laugh at her own mistakes, but quickly refocuses and is striving to improve herself. She is an absolute joy to coach and to be around. —­­ Kasey Powers, Head Softball Coach

 

Student  Athlete Tyler Lane­­Tyler Lane


Freshman, Track & Field

­Tyler Lane is a freshman from Skyview High School and is leading the Clark Track and Field team in jumping events. He has high jumped over 6 feet 9 inches leading the NWAACC conference by a half foot. Tyler is ranked 3rd in long jump for the region, and is a great contributor in the 4x100 team as well. He is a hard working, dedicated and willing to try any event to help the team be successful in any way possible. Tyler is a great addition to our program and I look forward to seeing him further his academic and athletic goals. ­—­ Amber Moore, Head Track and Field Coach
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Student Athletes for the Month of March 2010

Student Athlete Sam Watkins ­­Sam Watkins

Softball

­Sam was one of the hardest working players on the team during the off-season and it is paying early dividends for the Penguin Softball program. In 12 games this season, Sam is hitting .400 with 18 RBI, two home runs, two doubles and a triple. Along with her torrid hitting pace, Sam is also holding her own on the defensive side of the ball with her pitching. She has won five games so far this year, while also setting the school record for strike outs in a game (13) vs. Big Bend. There is little doubt that Sam will never be outworked on a softball field; she refuses to let up in a game or in practice. This is what makes her such a valuable asset to the program.

While not a vocal leader, Sam definitely leads by example. If she continues to make major contributions, she will teach the freshmen what it takes to be successful in the NWAACC. Sam is also a hard worker in the classroom, continually working to become a better and more well-rounded student.

­­Student Athlete Josh SmithJosh Smith

Track & Field

­A dedicated athlete, Josh Smith transferred to Clark College from Oregon State, a school without a track team, to see what he is capable of. He now leads the NWAACC in both the 100 and 200 meters, and contributes to the 4X100 meter relay. Aspiring to become a physical therapist or anesthesiologist, Josh's positive attitude and great work ethic will help him get to the Division 1 level of competition.

 

 

Student Athletes for the Month of February 2010

Student Athlete Chancy McClenan ­­Chawncy McClenan

Freshman, Basketball

­Freshman Chawncy McClenan came to Clark College from Vancouver’s Heritage High School, where she was a multi-sport athlete.  She continues that athletic track at Clark, playing basketball and participating in track and field.

Basketball head coach Nancy Boone said, “Chawncy’s leaping ability, length, and quickness enabled her to lead the team in rebounds. She is a great talent for both athletic programs.”


Student Athlete Markeith Brown ­­Markeith Brown

Sophomore, Basketball

­As team captain, sophomore Markeith Brown has shown, according to coach Mike Arnold, “an exceptional commitment to his own personal development in the classroom and the Penguins success on the floor.”

While working part time and playing basketball, Brown, a graduate of Cleveland High School in Portland, has earned a 2.96 grade point average (GPA).

Coach Arnold said, “Strong on the defensive side of the ball and quick with the dribble on the offensive side, Markeith has shown that he is committed to team success over individual accolades. His positive attitude and his exceptional work ethic has been an inspiration to his team mates and the Penguin faithful over the last couple of years.”

 

Student Athletes for the Month of January 2010

Student Athlete Leanne Lamping ­­Leanne Lamping

Basketball

­Leanne is consistently improving and earning more minutes on the floor, especially in crunch time. Leanne is athletic, long, and has a great first step. She is instrumental in our playoff run and scored key baskets in the win over Highline. She assisted with great team defensive stops in our road win over South Puget Sound. Leanne is becoming a key player that opposing teams will have to watch out for. Leanne is a graduate of Clark's Culinary Arts Department with a 3.86 GPA. She is currently working at The Red Lion at the Quay as an assistant chef.


Student Athlete Ryan Anderson ­­Ryan Anderson

Sophomore, Basketball

­Ryan has been a two-year player for Clark after attending the University of Washington for one year. He is a graduate of Camas High School where he played for Scott Preniger. His work ethic and hustle have provided leadership both on and off the court. He brings a high level of commitment, focus, and maturity to the daily efforts of team leadership. Additionally, he has been involved in the Service Leadership program representing Men’s Basketball in the “Snuggle up and Read” program at Chinook Elementary School. At 6'4", Ryan Anderson is a starting wing averaging 7.1 points and 1.0 rebounds per game. He has a GPA of 3.56.

 
Student Athletes for the Month of December 2009

Student Athlete Renee Tzeo ­­Rene­é Tzeo

Freshman, Basketball

­Rene­é­ Tzeo comes to us from Reynolds High School in Portland, Oregon. As a freshman, she demonstrates a strong sense of leadership. Reneé­ has a high basketball IQ, which she gained from playing on a very strong summer-league team. As a student, Reneé­ has a 3.55 GPA.


Student Athlete Travis Garrison ­­Travis Garrison

Sophomore, Basketball

­Travis Garrison is a 6’5” forward from Evergreen High School. Travis has shown great leadership and commitment to his teammates, the program, and his own development for the past couple of years. Travis’ contribution cannot be measured by statistics alone. Often guarding the opponent’s biggest player and giving up inches and pounds, Travis has shown to be a very strong defender. With a 3.31 GPA, Travis has shown that he is also a leader in the classroom as well.

 

Student Athletes for the Month of November 2009

Student Athlete Brittany Henderson ­­Brittany Henderson

Sophomore, Cross Country

­Brittany Henderson led the Clark College cross country team to a fifth place finish at the NWAACC Cross Country Championships on November 14. She placed 4th overall, earning All-American status in the process. Brittany continues to excel in the classroom as well. This spring she'll be graduating from Clark and heading to Eastern Washington University on an athletic/academic scholarship. Brittany is doing all she can to leave her mark at Clark College before she leaves us next spring.


Student Athlete Justine Tabor ­­Justine Tabor

Freshman, Volleyball

­Justine Tabor, a freshman outside hitter for the Lady Penguins, had an impressive month for November. A leader both on and off the court, in three matches Justine totaled 35 kills and a .250 hitting percentage, along with19 digs. Against Pierce she recorded an outstanding hitting percentage of .390. Her work ethic and passion to be the best is displayed not only on the court, but in the classroom as well. She is majoring in chemistry with hopes of pursuing a career in forensic sciences.

 

Student Athletes for the Month of October 2009

Student Athlete Samantha Peppers ­­Samantha Peppers

Freshman, Soccer

­Samantha Peppers, a freshman from Columbia River High School, has had an outstanding month for the Lady Penguins. Sam has been a vital part of our success in the month of October. She has scored two critical goals and had two assists, leading the team to great conference victories that have kept the women's soccer team in the play-off hunt going into the last week of the season. Sam's hard work on and off the field is a model for all college students to aspire to. Currently, Samantha is also a member of the Clark Speech and Debate team and maintains 3.3 GPA.


Student Athlete Nick Herzberg ­­Nick Herzberg

Freshman, Soccer

­Nick, a freshman from West Valley High School in Fairbanks, Alaska, has been an outstanding addition to the men's soccer program. Nick was chosen as a captain of the team by his teammates. He has total respect of his teammates because of the way he plays the game. His passion and enthusiasm for the game of soccer is constantly shown on the field. He is an ultimate competitor and a born leader. He has scored three goals this year from a defense position.


 

Student Athletes for the Month of September 2009

Student Athlete Brandi Eloff ­­Brandi Eloff

Sophomore, Track & Field

­Brandi Eloff is in her second year at Clark College. She is an ideal student athlete and has maintained a 4.0 GPA all four quarters she has attended Clark. Brandi is also a Student Ambassador and served on the ASCC Judicial Review Committee. Her athletic performances in track and cross country have qualified her for both the Track & Field and Cross Country NWAACC Championships in the last two seasons. She is well on her way to becoming one of Clark's best-ever distance runners. Clark College is very fortunate to have Brandi as part of the Penguin Nation!


Student Athlete Mauricio Sanchez ­­Mauricio Sanchez

Sophomore, Soccer

­Mauricio has been a great addition to the men's soccer program. He is one of only two sophomores on the team. Mauricio is one of our captains. It is because of his leadership and work ethic that this young team is off to a great start with a record of 4-1 in conference.

Mauricio has sacrificed a lot to be a part of this program. He has put aside a very successful Hispanic TV show and magazine in order to focus on school and the soccer team. His ability to juggle his business, school, and socer has been an inspiration to his team mates and coaching staff.


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Special Thanks to our Student Athlete of the Month Sponsor



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