Fresno State Athletics
Perera, Cech To Receive Harold Haak Scholarship
5/2/2006 12:00:00 AM | General
May 2, 2006
ONE could say that Chantella Perera's adjustment to a new school, new country and a completely new way of life took some time.
The Bulldog guard was just 17 years old when she came to the United States from Australia in late December 2003. Her initiation into Division 1 basketball took place in Ruston against Louisiana Tech weeks later. In that game, Perera played three minutes and finished 0-3 from the field, 0-2 from three-point territory with one rebound.
The adjustment period continued, but not for long. Through her first seven games as a freshman, Perera averaged just three points in limited playing time. While it might have been easy to get discouraged, Perera began working harder and became more motivated to improve her game. And in the final seven games of the season, Perera became a fixture in the Bulldog's starting lineup and averaged 13.0 points and 3.6 rebounds per game, including a career-high 25 points in a win at Boise State.
"I guess I was just naïve and didn't think anything about it," said Perera of her first season. "I actually really enjoyed the experience. Looking back, I think if I knew everything I know now, I would have probably been more scared. Everything was just so new to me so I really didn't know what to expect."
To this day, Perera has continued to approach challenges in the same manner she did during her rookie season. In doing so, she has developed an impressive work ethic and refined her leadership skills both in the classroom and on the basketball court.
Perera is scheduled to receive the Harold Haak Scholarship Award at next week's Kiwanis Torch of Excellence awards banquet. The Harold Haak Scholarship is awarded to a student-athlete with continuing eligibility who has lettered and earned Dean's List status for two consecutive semesters (3.5 GPA).
The 5-8 junior from Wantirna, Victoria, Australia, is a two-time Academic All-WAC selection, WAC Scholar-Athlete and Fresno State Scholar-Athlete. If not for a shortened freshman season in which she only played in 14 games, Perera would likely be a three-time recipient of all three awards.
A business management major, Perera currently sports at 3.68 GPA. She is involved with the Student Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC), serving as the women's basketball team representative in addition to fulfilling her duties as chair of the activities committee. Perera also serves as one of two representatives on the Athletic Corporation Board, providing the student-athlete population with a voice in athletic department matters.
It also helps that Perera has a strong support system in place. Her roommates are fellow team members Faith Probst and Kendra Walker-Roche, two other Bulldog student-athletes who had to make the adjustment when arriving from Australia and Canada, respectively. Both Probst and Walker-Roche also maintain GPA's of 3.3 or higher and assist Perera, who aspires to join the college coaching ranks or play professionally in the future.
Perera has been a leader for the `Dogs on the court as well. This past year proved to be a breakthrough campaign for Perera, who averaged 11.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game. She started all but one contest, led Fresno State in three-point shooting and was ranked among the nation's top free throw shooters for much of the year.
"Chantella is the consummate student-athlete," said head coach Adrian Wiggins. "I'm very proud of her and think she has done a tremendous job of balancing school and basketball. In addition to leading our team and succeeding in the classroom, she is active in the community. Chantella is a great example of what we want in a student-athlete."
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FOLLOWING the winter break, Fresno State junior Jakub Cech arrived from his native Czech Republic with a swollen ankle. Most likely the swelling was due to a long overseas flight -- at least that was the only reasonable explanation. When the men's tennis team opened the 2006 dual match season, Cech was still playing on only one leg. But unfortunately for John Nguyen of Cal Poly, a bad wheel did not slow Cech down as he entertained Fresno State fans to the tune of a third-set tiebreaker victory.
Finally healthy, Cech sent shock waves through the NCAA when he knocked off then-No. 18 Roger Matalonga of Arizona in straight sets. Breaking into the rankings for the first time at No. 52, Fresno State's No. 1 singles player again sent a message to top-20 players after defeating then-No. 19 Alex Slovic of Washington.
"Jakub is one of the most improved players in the NCAAs," said head coach Jay Udwadia. "It's not easy playing at the top of the lineup there are no free points. This year Jakub believes he can win each match."
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So what is Cech doing when he is not shooting down the Goliaths of the NCAA?
He is hitting the books. Whether it is on the road or at home, schoolwork demands a significant amount of time from all student-athletes. And Cech is no exception.
A business major emphasizing on international business, Cech is constantly studying and preparing for class weeks ahead of time. During a typical season, the men's tennis team could be traveling three or four weeks in a month. This year in late February and early March, Cech and the Bulldogs experienced life on the road. Between Arizona, Oregon, San Diego and Alabama it was amazing Cech was able to accomplish all of his tasks.
"Sometimes I don't even know how I get things done," Cech said. "I really surprise myself. It's especially difficult to study when we're on the road. As an athlete, I have to manage my time and do it within team parameters. There are times when I can't stay up late to study. I've got to go to bed early and get the rest I need for the next day's match."
Discipline on the tennis court translates into discipline in the classroom. Cech has maintained a 3.73 grade point average since arriving at Fresno State in the spring of 2004.
"Jakub is a very dedicated person in athletics and academics," said Udwadia. "As a coach it's a real bonus when you have someone that you don't have to worry about. Jakub expects a lot of himself. He's always trying to better himself and he's never satisfied with being average. I know he'll be successful in anything he chooses to do in life."
Cech's future successes will be many, but at the moment, the Bulldogs are enjoying the ride while it lasts. Cech twice defeated Boise State's Luke Shields this season making him the overwhelming choice as WAC Player of the Year.
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