Fresno State Athletics
267 Fresno State Student-Athletes Honored at Kiwanis Torch of Excellence Dinner
 |  Lucia Tallo was a recipient of the Harold Haak Scholarship on Monday evening at the 8th Annual Kiwanis Torch of Excellence Dinner. |
April 26, 2004
FRESNO, Calif. - The Eighth Annual Kiwanis Torch of Excellence dinner was held Monday night at the Radisson Hotel Convention Center, honoring exceptional academic and athletic accomplishments by student-athletes over the past year.
The event honored over half of Fresno States 524 total student-athletes who have maintained a 3.0 cumulative GPA or better for the 2003 spring and fall semesters, or who have kept a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA during their academic career.
The 267 student-athletes in attendance included 12 seniors who were honored as Torchlighters, an award that recognizes seniors who are completing their eligibility and who have lettered two of the past three years while also maintaining a 3.5 cumulative GPA or better.
Torchlighter recipients included Katie Christianson (track), Andrea Crisp (equestrian), Mitzi Ing (softball), Courtney Jantz (tennis), Kristyn Kellogg (soccer), Dawn McIntosh (equestrian), Amy Reed (equestrian), Stefan Suta (tennis), Chanie Sutherland (basketball), Stefanie Taelman (volleyball), Michelle Tonello (equestrian) and Christina Webb (equestrian).
In addition, the following awards were presented at Monday's dinner:
Stan Bates Nominees: Kara June, Women's Track and Trevor Chatterton, Men's Track
Awarded to a male and female student-athlete who have a cumulative Fresno State GPA of 3.0 or better, in their final year of eligibility in the WAC, and is recommended for their qualities as a student, an athlete and as a person.
Harold Haak Scholarship: Lucia Tallo, Women's Tennis and Ian Mason, Men's Track & Field
Awarded to a male and female student-athlete who have been on the Dean's list for two consecutive semesters (3.5 GPA), lettered and continued their eligibility.
George Ilg Memorial Award: Stefan Suta, Men's Tennis and Michelle Tonello, Equestrian
Awarded to a male and female graduating senior for academic and athletic achievement and service to the community.
Dr. Thomas Thaxter Memorial Award: Terra Castro-Conde, Student Trainer, M. Basketball
Awarded to an undergraduate student who demonstrates distinguished commitment to the field of sports medicine, has excellent scholarship, and is a continuing student.
Four new awards were presented at Monday's event including the following:
Athletics Director's Award for Community Service: Men's & Women's Track and Field Team
Awarded to a team that demonstrates dedication to serving the community.
Bulldog Foundation Business Award: Mitzi Ing, Softball
Awarded to the Outstanding Student-Athlete in the Craig School of Business.
Paul Schechter Courage Award: Brian Morris, Football
Awarded to a student-athlete who has overcome personal and/or physical obstacle(s) to achieve success.
Bruce Farris Media Award: Ken Robison, The Fresno Bee
- 23 years of service to date; Covers men's and women's tennis, men's and women's soccer, golf and softball. Presented annually to a valley media representative who displays the principles of Bulldog student-athletes of hard work, dedication and integrity. (The award is in honor of former Fresno Bee sportswriter Bruce Farris who covered Bulldog Athletics for more than 50 years.)