Despite a shortened sports season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Clark State Community College student-athletes set an athletic department record for the most students selected for Academic All-American teams.
The 2019-20 Clark State athletics teams features ten student-athletes who earned academic honors by achieving an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.60 or higher; thus achieving Academic All-American status.
“Each year, Clark State student-athletes continue to set new records. There was no difference for 2019 – 2020, as our student-athletes raised the bar once again to show the true meaning of a student-athlete,” said Justin McCulla, director of athletics and student life for Clark State. “The athletic department strives to put academics first and help our student-athletes become well-rounded members on our teams, on campus and in the community.”
These Clark State students have been recognized as Academic All-Americans by the NJCAA for their efforts in the classroom as scholarly student-athletes:
First Team (4.0+ GPA):
Taylor Drews – Volleyball (Springfield)
Second Team (3.80-3.99 GPA):
Tory Cordell – Volleyball (West Liberty)Bryce McMurray – Baseball (Bellevue)
Lauren Rose – Softball (Dayton)
Joseph Timmons - Men’s Basketball (Xenia)
Third Team (3.6-3.79 GPA):
Hailey Baker - Women’s Basketball (Springfield)
Alaina Lyons - Women’s Basketball (Urbana)Elizabeth Weaver - Women’s Basketball (Springfield)
Faith Wenger – Volleyball (Bellefontaine)Anarra Williams - Women’s Basketball (Dayton)
Clark State’s volleyball team was also nominated by the NJCAA for Academic Team of the Year. The Eagles accumulated a 3.03 team GPA for the 2019 – 2020 academic year.
As the 2020-21 academic and athletic year approaches, the NJCAA has released a plan of action for the fall and winter sports season in response to COVID-19. The NJCAA National Office, along with the NJCAA Health and Safety Council, has also issued a list of safety protocol recommendations for member colleges during regular season competition and championship events.
In coordination with the NJCAA, Clark State plans to continue with athletics beginning fall semester with all required protocols in place. Additional planning and scheduling is currently underway.