CLU Inducts Largest Scholar Athlete Class

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – Much praise is focused on athletic success during the day-to-day operations of Cal Lutheran athletics, but on Saturday, May 10, 160 student-athletes were recognized, honored and inducted into the CLU Scholar Athlete Society at the 11^th annual induction ceremony in the Gilbert Arena.

In 2003, Elaine Benditson inspired the concept and the Cal Lutheran Scholar-Athlete Society was created to acknowledge the academic achievements of CLU athletes. The institution believes it is important to give special emphasis to those students who are competing rigorously to achieve excellence in the classroom and in their chosen sport. The Kingsmen and Regals honored during the ceremony have each proven to bring equal dedication and discipline to both the classroom and chosen fields of play.

Boasting a 3.40 or higher cumulative grade point average during the academic year, the 2013 induction class was the largest in the 10-year history of the society. The inaugural class had 36 inductees.

Of the student-athletes who participated in 2013-14, 69% (368 of 534) earned a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher. Nearly 30% (155) produced a 3.5 or higher GPA. The total GPA for all CLU fall sports teams this year was 3.196. Offering 20 intercollegiate sports, 13 of those teams produced higher team GPAs in 2013-14 than in 2012-13. Overall, 16 teams (80%) produced a 3.0 or higher team semester GPA. Additionally, during the fall semester 19 athletes earned a perfect 4.0, seven more than last year.

Following the presentation of gifts to those inducted, a pair of distinguished student-athletes was recognized. Senior swimmer and psychology major Aaron Waters and senior volleyball and track and field athlete, majoring in biology, Lauren Rohach were selected by the CLU Faculty Athletic Policies Committee as the Male and Female SCIAC Scholar Athlete, respectively.

Though Rohach was competing at the Oxy Invitational, she sent along some key notes to share with her schoolmates.

After thanking the committee, coaches, teachers and administrators she turned her focus to her schoolmates, saying, “It is student-athletes, like everyone in this room today, that push me to be my best both in my respective sports and in the classroom. I am constantly in awe of what student-athletes are achieving on and off the field, court, or pool and seeing my peers do so much helps me to put things into perspective and work to improve myself in any way possible.”

Rohach went on to say, “Cal Lutheran and Division III athletics enable us to excel in multiple aspects of our lives and this award exemplifies that. The balance of athletic and academic achievements is a main reason I chose to attend CLU. The opportunities I have had and memories I have made while playing volleyball, running track, and studying biology will be ones I will never forget. Having the liberty to continue sports I have loved my whole life and still thrive in a college environment is all I could have asked for. I have been pushed out of my comfort zone both athletically and academically and the lessons I have learned will stay with me forever. I am truly honored to be a part of this group of student-athletes and congratulations to everyone here today. “

While she was unable to be there in person, she finished by sharing, “I am sorry I could not be there to celebrate with everyone, but enjoy today and this recognition because it is a very special and extremely rewarding accomplishment.”

Waters took the microphone to commend, thank and recognize all the coaches, faculty and staff members who have helped guide him in the direction he is going today.

“Before I got to Cal Lutheran, I was not a scholar-athlete,” Waters went on, “But when things were shaky in my first semester, it was the staff at CLU that helped me organize and balance my academics with my athletics schedule so that I could be a successful student as well as collegiate swimmer.” He added, “It was the mentorship over the course of my first year in my classes, as well as on the pool deck, that solidified my foundation as a strong athlete and student in the classroom.” Waters finished by saying, “Thank you to everyone who helped me get to where I am today and congratulations to all the student-athletes here.”

Cal Lutheran attracts students from all walks of life and areas of the world. Its diversity is unique and the passion that each and every student possesses is special. For many, one of those passions is sport, in turn producing amazing student-athletes for the Kingsmen and Regals year in and year out.

Scholar Athlete Society: 2014 Induction Class
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