Chapman Athletics announces annual department award winners
ORANGE, Calif. – Chapman University Athletics celebrated all the successes of the past year with its annual Jog-a-thon on Friday and announced its annual senior departmental awards. The Panthers awarded male and female Scholar-Athlete of the Year awards, as well as male and female Leadership awards.
A new award was introduced for the 2016-17 year as the male and female teams with the top GPA were recognized. The cross country team won the inaugural male GPA award. Fresh off its inaugural season, the women's golf team proved to be elite in the classroom with the first-ever female GPA award.
Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year: Marco Saglimbeni, Men's Soccer
Senior soccer star Marco Saglimbeni was the recipient of the Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year award after an accolade-filled career in the classroom and the soccer field. He was a two-time Academic All-American, a two-time All-Region selection, three-time All-SCIAC honoree and graduate in Chapman's all-time top-10 for scoring.
Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year: Kristin Kleinow, Women's Soccer
Senior goalkeeper Kristin Kleinow wrote her name into Chapman history as the all-time saves leader by nearly double. Kleinow was a two-time All-SCIAC selection and All-Region honoree in her four years. She graduated with her business degree in three-and-a-half years, just after finishing her soccer career.
Don Perkins Male Leadership Award: Bryan Wise, Men's Golf
Bryan Wise was the leader on the golf course in more ways than one. He led the team in scoring for three years and was a team captain for his final two. He will be a three-time SCIAC All-Academic selection and two-time All-SCIAC selection. Coach Ming Lao said, "Since Day 1, four years ago, he has led by example. Classic 'first to arrive, last to leave'. Not afraid to ask questions, but smart enough to hear both sides of the conversation. He pushes his teammates to get better."
Jack Duddy Female Leadership Award: Tara Sonnemaker, Women's Lacrosse
Senior goalkeeper Tara Sonnemaker wrote Chapman's goalkeeping record book for lacrosse. The three-year starter for the fifth year program has helped take the program from its infancy to perennial SCIAC title contender. She was a team captain as a senior, a two-time All-SCIAC selection and All-Region selection. Coach Dan Kirkpatrick said, "An exemplary student-athlete and leader, Tara has provided both stability and a relentlessly positive voice which has encouraged and enabled her teammates to play to their potential. Her work ethic, attitude and dedication to the team has set the example for our future leaders."
The Jog-A-Thon and Sports Appreciation Day is a tradition spanning the decades for Chapman University Athletics. Family, friends and loved ones sponsor a Chapman student athlete to jog 10 laps around the Holly and David Wilson Field at a choice of levels ranging from $100 per lap to $.50 per lap.
These funds are utilized throughout the year to support important equipment, programs and events for the Donald P. Kennedy Intercollegiate Athletics Program at Chapman University.
by Steven Olveda
Sports Information Director
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