Clark State Community College will hold their annual athletic banquet on Wednesday, May 1 at the Hollenbeck Bayley Creative Arts and Conference Center in downtown Springfield.
“We want to reward our student-athletes for their hard work on and off the field and court,” said Justin McCulla, director of athletics and student life for Clark State. “It is a great evening for everyone to enjoy a nice dinner with all the other student-athletes to close out the year.”
Each Clark State athletic team nominated an MVP, First Year Award, Most Improved, Hustle and Student Scholar. “We will also highlight our student-athletes who were on the Fall 2018 All OCCAC Academic team and Athletic Director’s Honor Roll,” said McCulla.
Dr. Jo Alice Blondin, president of Clark State, said many potential students don’t realize Clark State offers the option to play sports at the college level. “Our athletic programs are part of the National Junior College Athletic Association and provide an opportunity for student athletes to improve upon their skills and potentially move on to play for a four-year school.”
In 2014, Clark State joined NJCAA and competes at the division II level in women’s softball, volleyball and basketball; and men’s baseball and basketball. Clark State is also a member of the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC).
McCulla said the banquet is an event where everyone can come together and celebrate. “It’s an opportunity for Clark State and the athletic department to show student-athletes appreciation for their hard work.”
Clark State alumnus and former student-athlete Je’Michael Blanton will be the featured speaker at the athletic banquet. He graduated from Clark State in 2016 and will be graduating from Miami University this semester. Without giving away any of the details, McCulla said Blanton’s story will resonate with current student-athletes.
“This might be my favorite part of the year,” said McCulla. “We get to celebrate so many accomplishments from our student-athletes and share it among their peers and Clark State administration.
All-OCCAC Academic Team (3.5 GPA or higher)
Beavercreek
Cedric Baldwin, Jr.
Cable
Kierstyn Zizzo
Castalia
Bryce McMurray
Enon
Dominic Kuzujanakis
Riverside
TJ Henry
Springfield
Ben Harris
Destanee Oliver
Liz Weaver
West Liberty
Tory Cordell
Athletic Director’s Honor Roll (3.0 GPA or higher)
Kinshasa, DR Congo
Clementine Mesa
Clarksville, IN
Brandon Hardin
Beavercreek
Cedric Baldwin, Jr.
Cable
Kierstyn Zizzo
Castalia
Bryce McMurray
Cedarville
McKayla Lee
Conover
Jacob Arthur
Cleveland
Yadiel Sanchez
Enon
Dominic Kuzujanakis
Huber Heights
Brooke Starrett
London
Colin Minner
New Carlisle
Reid Hale
Riverside
TJ Henry
Springfield
Tanae Dixon
Austin Goffe
Reide Hajnik
Ben Harris
Destanee Oliver
Liz Weaver
Stow
Jack Miller
Washington Court House
Heath Cockerill
West Liberty
Tory Cordell
Allie Yoder