SAN MARCOS, Texas – Texas State University and athletics administrators joined family and friends in celebrating the accomplishments of 11 student-athletes in the Warren Reception Room before they participated in University Commencement Exercises on Friday morning.
President Denise Trauth, members of the President's Council, athletic director Larry Teis and other athletic administrators honored
Courtney Johnson,
Nikki Sanchez,
Taffoya Shirley and
Sydni Willis of the women's track and field team;
Kira Zapalac of the soccer team, men's basketball player
Immanuel King and
Tyler Blount, football players
Cedric Gambrell and
Chris French; along with
Logan Pittdman and
Kelson Pierre of the men's track and field.
Each of the student-athletes was presented with the Athletics "T" Ring, graduation cords and a Sun Belt Conference Medallion to wear during graduation commencement on Friday in Strahan Arena.
The 11 graduates combined to win five Sun Belt Conference individual championships and were on two Sun Belt finalist teams. Their athletic honors include being named All-Sun Belt First Team five times and Second Team nine times. Six of the student-athletes participated in the NCAA West Preliminaries and one participated in a NCAA Post-Season Tournament.
In addition to earning their bachelor's degrees in eight different majors, these student-athletes were named to the Sun Belt Commissioner's List three times and Honor Roll twice. Two received Texas State Star of Excellence awards and five earned Texas State Academic Achievement certificates.
The "T" Ring symbolizes excellence on the playing field as well as the classroom. The criteria for receiving the ring includes 1) earning a "T" letter from the Athletic Department; 2) completing NCAA eligibility at Texas State and 3) earning a bachelor's degree within one year after eligibility has expired.
Along with their rings, all graduating student-athletes receive the maroon and gold cords to wear during graduation commencements. A tradition introduced by the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee in December 2008, the cords serve to recognize student-athletes as a unique group on campus.
Student-athletes were also presented with Sun Belt Conference medallions, which serve to distinguish each student-athlete who has competed in the Sun Belt and earned a degree. The student-athletes may wear the medallions during graduation to honor their accomplishments and to show their pride in the Sun Belt Conference.
