25TH ANNUAL ACADEMIC ATHLETIC AWARDS
It was another successful year for Fullerton College Athletics, and the department was happy to host the 25th Annual Academic Athletic Awards in the Hornets Nest on Tuesday with many student-athletes being honored for their accomplishments on the field of play and classroom.
The 2023-24 year was a good one for FC with football, men's soccer, men's basketball, and softball winning conference titles. Playing in the Southern California Regionals were football, cross country, women's golf, men's soccer, women's water polo, men's basketball, baseball, track, men's tennis, and softball. In fact, two teams are competing in for a state title in softball and men's track this weekend. The Hornet softball team went 21-0 in the Orange Empire Conference and now have 40 wins with 5 losses heading into the big dance. The team is looking to make history by winning state for only the second time in school history (1980 State Champs under Margo Davis). FC men's track & field will feature the 400M relay team of Samuel Okerson, Ethan Chao, Thaddeus Justin Jones, and Leland Smith at the 3C2A State Meet.
With all the team success, it was only fitting that Athletic Director Scott Giles honor the student-athletes that truly made a difference on their respective teams. Many individuals were recognized for their selfless leadership qualities, character, and hard work in the classroom.
A Special Recognition award was given to retiring Dean of Physical Education Dr. David Grossman, who will be greatly missed for his unwavering support to the faculty, staff, and student-athletes. In the last twelve years, Fullerton College Athletics have benefitted tremendously under Dr. Grossman's leadership.
The Academic Athletic Awards was the brainchild of beloved former Head Football Coach Gene Murphy who poured his heart and soul into furthering the education of Fullerton College student-athletes. Athletic Director Scott Giles has done an excellent job in keeping the torch lit for Coach Murphy's tradition by creating an atmosphere on campus where students-athletes are rewarded for their efforts and given the proper tools to help further their success not only on the playing field but also in life.
Click here to view photos from the 25th AA Awards.
The 2023-24 FC Academic Athletic Award Winners
Donna Cherry Most Inspirational Player Award – Amelia Hahs, Women's Volleyball
Margo Davis Innovator Award – Cassidy Hornung, Softball
Bud Dawson Character Award – Sebastian Acosta, Men's Volleyball
Ed Carroll Leadership Award – Brandon Nunez, Football
Mike Steinkellner Scholar Athlete Award – Payton Babineau, Softball
Arthur Nunn Multi Sport Award – Laura Valdivia, Women's Soccer and Women's Lacrosse
Christian Wood Athletic Achievement Award – Angel Sevillano, Men's Soccer
Jim Bush Memorial Track & Field Award – Steven Castro, Men's XC / Track & Field
Lt Stephen Douglas Joyner Award – Elvis Vakapuna, Football
Nick Fuscardo Award - Landon Runge, Baseball
Dr Philip McFarland Memorial Award –
Bill Chambers Athletic Trainer Award – Julie Garcia
Edgar Clark Character of a Man Scholarship – RJ Banks, Men's Basketball
Colleen Riley Memorial Women's Basketball Scholarship – Tia Jaquias, Women's Basketball
Bob Lenard Memorial Women's Basketball Scholarship – Sarah Shaw-Brody, Women's Basketball
Debi Woelke Scholarship – Jasmine Arnold, Women's Basketball
Hal Sherbeck Memorial Football Scholarship – Erik Hehl, Football
Mike Sgobba Memorial Baseball Scholarship – Justin Redfern, Baseball
Hornet Award (female) – Riley Jackson, Women's Water polo
Hornet Award (male) – Jeremiah Davis, Men's Basketball
FC Student-Athletes of Distinction – Laura Valdivia (W. Soccer/Lacrosse), RJ Banks (M. Basketball), Tadan Smith (football), Malique "Kash" Amos (football) FC Student of the Year
Female Scholar Athlete of the year – Toni Ballestero, Women's Basketball
Male Scholar Athlete of the year – Ethan Gibbs, Baseball
Coach of the Year – Crystal Aguirre and Marian "Speedy" Mendoza, Softball
Female Athlete of the Year – Jordan Elias, Softball
Male Athlete of the Year – Misael Gonzalez, Soccer
Special Recognition – Dr. David Grossman
ONCE A HORNET, ALWAYS A HORNET
