USU Recognizes 143 Student-Athletes At Annual Whitesides Luncheon

April 26, 2006

LOGAN, Utah - Utah State's athletic department recognized 143 student-athletes and 10 managers and trainers for obtaining a 3.2 grade point average at the 51st Joe E. and Elma Whitesides Scholar-Athlete Luncheon here Wednesday [April 26].

 

To be eligible for the honors, student-athletes must have obtained a 3.2 cumulative grade point average or have posted a 3.2 GPA in the last two semesters.

 

Tennis player Andrea Barker earned the day's top award as she was named the Whitesides Recipient. The senior from Brighton High School in Sandy, Utah, posted a perfect 4.0 grade point average while majoring in exercise science.

 

Barker, who is the valedictorian of the College of Education and Human Services, has been accepted into graduate school at the University of Utah and will work to become a physician's assistant. She will be the youngest member of the class, which accepted just 36 of more than 600 applicants.

 

A four-year letterwinner on the tennis team, Barker compiled an 8-14 record in singles play this past season.

 

"It is a special award for me, because I was not sure I would finish up here after I got married my sophomore year," Barker said. I have had such a wonderful time being up here. Doing sports has taught me how to balance everything."

 

Other special recognition was given to track athlete Dustin Vetica, who was the recipient of the Aggie Achievement Award. Vetica, a senior from Morgan, Utah, overcame serious spine injuries sustained in a car wreck his sophomore year of high school to earn high school All-America honors and compete at Utah State.

 

Unfortunately, Vetica, succumbed to more injuries at USU and was not able to run this outdoor season. Vetica has already graduated with a degree in interdisciplinary studies.

 

Dr. Ken White was presented the Meet The Challenge Award for his contributions to academics and athletics. Dr. White is a professor in Animal Science and has served as the athletic department's faculty representative for several years.

 

USU also handed out team honors at the banquet. Women's Track was awarded the top academic team with more than 20 members, while women's cross country topped the teams with less than 20 members. Golf earned the most improved award.

 

In all, approximately 45 percent of USU's student-athletes have earned a 3.2 grade point average to qualify for the awards.

 

2006 USU WHITESIDES SPECIAL HONORS

 

Whitesides Winner - Andrea Barker, Tennis

 

Aggie Achievement - Dustin Vetica, Track

 

Meet The Challenge - Dr. Ken White

 

Top Teams (20+ members)

1. Women's Track

2. Soccer

3. Men's Track

 

Top Teams (less than 20 members)

1. Women's Cross Country

2. Men's Tennis

3. Gymnastics

 

Most Improved Teams

1. Golf

2. Women's Cross Country

3. Football and Women's Track