MORROW, Ga. – Established in September of 2014, Clayton State Athletics continued a tradition of recognizing the program's best and brightest student-athletes at the Heritage Bank Academic Excellence Luncheon in the Harry S. Downs Center for Education on Friday, February 8.
 
Created to highlight those student-athletes that achieved at least a 3.0 Grade Point Average in the previous semester, in this case Fall 2018, the ceremony featured 70 such individuals.

Formerly the Breakfast of Champions, the event featured a full buffet and each student-athlete was recognized both individually and with their teams during a brief ceremony that was preceded by presentations by a number of high level administrators and Department partners. Each individual was also presented with a plaque commemorating their achievement after being introduced by their coach and taking a picture with gathered dignitaries.

That group of dignitaries was headlined by Dr. Tim Hynes, President of Clayton State University, who thanked Leonard Moreland, President of the title sponsor for the event Heritage Bank, as well as the members of the Athletics Department for creating an environment conducive to the academic success that Laker student-athletes are experiencing.
 
"You have taken advantage of the opportunity to advance as both an athlete and a student," said Hynes. "Those two things are not exclusive of each other but rather self-supporting. Looking across this room at the number of individuals here, I can say it's darn good to be a Laker."
 
Clayton State Director of Athletics Ryan Erlacher impressed upon the gathered student-athletes not only what they have accomplished but what they can accomplish – and challenged them to do so and help their teammates do the same.
 
"Everyone on campus is extremely proud of the academic accomplishments of our student-athletes," said Erlacher. "It's always great to have the opportunity to come together as a team and recognize our students for their achievements and praise them for a job well done. Our student-athletes are remarkable and they intentionally set a higher academic standard this past fall. But, knowing their competiveness and commitment to academics, we know even greater things are on the horizon."
 
He continued, asking each honoree present to continue elevating Clayton State Athletics by not only earning a spot in future Academic Excellence Luncheons but to help their teammates do so as well.
 
Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) President T.J. Witherspoon congratulated his fellow honorees and thanked them for being leaders across campus and setting, and exceeding, such high standards. He also thanked those staff members and areas on campus that have played such a critical role in helping every student-athlete excel academically.
 
Moreland rounded out the speakers and he emphasized not only the importance of this event but the pride that Heritage Bank takes in being the title sponsor of it
 
"In the 20-plus years that I've had the privilege of being associated with Clayton State Athletics, Heritage has sponsored a number of events," said Moreland. "Those have included 18 years as title sponsor of a basketball tournament and many others but this is the one we are most proud of. Each of you are elite in what you do and have an opportunity to do things that many others do not. What you have accomplished in your careers is tremendous and are things that you will be able to sit and share with your children and grandchildren."
 
"A huge thank you goes out to Heritage Bank and their CEO Leonard Moreland, who continues to be a tremendous supporter of Clayton State Athletics," added Erlacher. "Mr. Moreland is Clayton State through-and-through and has made a significant impact on our campus. Sponsoring our Academic Excellence Luncheon only further exemplifies his dedication and support of Laker Athletics. We are lucky to have Mr. Moreland and Heritage Bank as a proud partner of our Athletics program."
 
In addition to the Academic Excellence Luncheon, each of the 70 student-athletes were recognized at halftime of a men's basketball game against Young Harris on Wednesday, February 6.

This is the 10^th straight semester that the Lakers have honored those that succeed in the classroom and truly embrace the "student" part of student-athlete. On February 9 of 2018 a record setting 82 individuals were honored while 75 were recognized on October 13 and February 3, 2017. That followed 62 student-athletes the previous semester and a then record 75 in February of 2016. The tradition began with 67 student-athletes honored in Fall of 2014 and continued later that year with 67 in the Spring of 2015.

Leading the way among the Lakers programs was women's soccer with an impressive 17 honorees while men's soccer produced 13 student-athletes with a 3.0 or better.
 
This group also represents the first time in the 29-year history of Clayton State Athletics that the entire Department has produced a GPA of at least 3.0 in any one semester.

Clayton State Student-Athletes With 3.0 GPA Or Better – Fall 2018 Semester
 
MEN'S BASKETBALL (4)
Brian Sims (4.0), Arusha Hunter (3.76), Aubrey McRae (3.5), Moses Williams (3.0),
 
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL (8)
Kietta Saunders (4.0), Jhade Hayes (3.60), Tatiana Foster (3.37), Dejah Montgomery (3.25)
Bre'l Mackey (3.21), Aleisha Merriweather (3.07), Dalania Clardy (3.0), Madison Newby (3.0)
 
CHEERLEADING (7)
Erin Pettigrew (3.76), Adrian Ruffin (3.75), Linae Landry (3.62), Kyla Davis (3.4),
Shanyra Walker (3.4), Kaelyn Walker (3.3), Dacia Daniel (3.2)
 
MEN'S CROSS COUNTRY AND TRACK & FIELD (9)
Evan Ortiz (4.0), Keldren Reddick (3.93), Janei Sewell (3.70), Anuj Patel (3.6), T.J. Witherspoon (3.6),
Courtland White (3.5), Jason Dang (3.4), Tyler Askew (3.0), Chris Florence (3.0) 
 
WOMEN'S CROSS COUNTRY AND TRACK & FIELD (6)
Stephanie Escobar (4.0), Nia Elmore (3.76), Laura Shkembi (3.5)
Asia Love (3.43), Jasmine Radford (3.21), Shockera Betty (3.0)    
 
MEN'S GOLF (6)
Joseph Kim (3.8), Francisco Manzanilla (3.76), Javier Gonzalez (3.53),
Augusto Oliva (3.46), Raul Carbonell (3.20), Nick Woof (3.0)
 
MEN'S SOCCER (13)
Jordan Knight (4.0), Tim Neusesser (4.0), Leonardo Notarnicola (4.0), Dusan Stankovic (4.0),
Jack Stevens (4.0), Mitro Turunen (3.8), Kari Puustinen (3.75), Cody Crimmins (3.6),
Olavo Guimaraes (3.53), Chevaun Blake (3.33), Connor Atkinson (3.16),
Carlos Naranjo (3.0), Ignacio Perez (3.0)
 
WOMEN'S SOCCER (17)
Janne Brouer (4.0), Isabel Massa (4.0), Jane McKevitt (4.0), Hikari Taguchi (4.0),
Ann-Cathrin Zabel (4.0), Marie Durr (3.81), Moa Loftman (3.76), Beatriz Zabalegui (3.76),
Chiara Rosener (3.71), Claudene Bent (3.69), Manoly Baquerizo (3.6), Natalie Barbara (3.53),
Pia Haug (3.43), Hannah Richards (3.4), Andrea Rodriguez (3.2),
Marie Devillers (3.15), Shannon McGregor (3.0)
 

Spring 2019 Academic Excellence Luncheon (2/8/19)

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