SIX UTPA STUDENT-ATHLETES RECEIVE ARTHUR ASHE, JR. SCHOLAR AWARDS

FAIRFAX, VA-Six student-athletes from The University of Texas-Pan American have received a prestigious honor.

They have been named to receive Arthur Ashe, Junior Sports Scholar Awards for 2002. The program is coordinated by Black Issues in Education, and the student-athletes honored are featured in this month’s edition of the magazine.

Senior Adriana Espinoza (Laredo, TX/Alexander HS) was one of 16 women’s golfers honored. Named an Arthur Ashe, Junior Sports Scholar for the third time, Espinoza has a 3.41 grade-point average, and is majoring in Graphic Art.

Sophomore Patty Villareal (San Juan, TX/PSJA HS) was one of 21 student-athletes named to the fourth team in women’s track and field, making her one of the top 84 recipients. Sophomore Millie Martinez (Edinburg, TX/Edinburg North HS) was one of 29 student-athletes named honorable mention in women’s track and field.

Villareal, who was honored for the second consecutive year, has a 3.43 grade-point average, and is majoring in Pre-dental (Chemistry). Martinez, who was honored for the first time, has a 3.29 grade point average and is majoring in Pre-medicine (Biology).

Junior Christina Infante (Lyford, TX/Lyford HS) joined Espinoza among the group of women’s golfers who were honored. Infante has a 3.47 grade-point average, and is majoring in Marketing.

Senior Kareem Abdullah (Clarendon, TX/Clarendon HS/Seward County Community College) was one of 12 men’s tennis players honored. Abdullah has a 3.77 grade-point average, and is majoring in Accounting.

Junior James Davis (Oklahoma City, OK/Casady HS/Westark College) was named to the first team in men’s basketball. One of 16 student-athletes to be so honored, Davis has a 3.58 grade-point average, and is majoring in English.

“Our student-athletes are highly deserving of this extremely prestigious award,” said UTPA Director of Academic Support and Student services for Athletics Chris Uchacz. “It’s a great testament to the direction our student-athletes are leading the department in the academic arena. Our coaches also need to be credited for doing an outstanding job of recruiting quality student-athletes.”

“At The University of Texas-Pan American, our athletic department remains committed to providing an environment in which our student-athletes can succeed in both the classroom and on the athletic field of play,” said UTPA Director of Athletics William J. Weidner. “This national recognition is a very prestigious honor for the student-athletes who were selected, our athletic department, and UTPA. We are most proud of the outstanding achievements and accomplishments of our student-athletes who were honored.”  

BLACK ISSUES IN HIGHER EDUCATION

GE-09-20042502