SAN DIEGO - A school-record 362 San Diego State student-athletes were recognized as scholar-athletes Monday evening at the 25th annual Scholar-Athlete Banquet held at SDSU's Montezuma Hall. To be an Aztec scholar-athlete, one needs a semester GPA of 3.20 or higher, or have maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
The 362 scholar-athletes broke the previous school-record of 337 set last year.
Harlowe Steele (lacrosse) and Ron Smith (football) were named the Student-Athletes of the Year. This award, presented by athletics director John David Wicker and executive associate athletics director Jenny Bramer, is given annually to the all-around female and male student-athletes who excel in academics, athletics, community service and leadership. These individuals must have a minimum of 3.2 cumulative GPA, have completed at least 72 credits and be an outstanding citizen and leader.
19 student-athletes received the Malik Award, which goes to those who achieved the highest GPA (4.0) in the fall and/or spring semester. Two members of the swimming and diving team earned the Malik Award for both the spring and fall semester: Anna Stahlak, a mechanical engineering major, and Erica Sarver, a business administration major.
The Spring 2018 Malik Award winners include, Brooke Boron (Rowing), Paola Diaz de Regules (Women's Tennis), Marc Ellis (Football), Charlene Flournoy (Rowing), Ellison Grove (XC/Track & Field), Dane Rozas (Men's Soccer), Danielle Stancikas (Rowing) and Emaleigh White (Rowing).
The Fall 2018 Malik Award winners include Laurel Brislin (Lacrosse), Finn Crozier (Men's Soccer), Samantha Geyer (Swim & Dive), Kathryn Greskovich (Lacrosse), Serena Hudson (Volleyball), Carlene Masar (XC) and Abigail Rieder (Women's Soccer).
Men's Soccer had the highest team GPA in Spring of 2018, their fifth straight semester winning the high team GPA ward. Women's Golf had the highest team GPA on the women's side for three straight semesters as well (Fall 2017, Spring 2018, Fall 2018). Men's Tennis claimed the award for the Fall 2018 semester.
Lastly, the Dr. Jim Kitchen Distinguished Service Award went to Debra Hegmann of Student Account Services. This award is presented to an SDSU faculty or staff member who exemplifies extraordinary dedication and service in enhancing the student-athlete experience.