CSU Athletics Honors 166 Student-Athletes Honored For Academic Success

CLEVELAND -- A total of 166 student-athletes, representing all 16 intercollegiate sports sponsored at Cleveland State University, were recognized for their academic accomplishments at the 26th annual John Konstantinos Athletic Academic Honors Luncheon which was held on Thursday afternoon (April 7) in the Henry Goodman Arena in the Wolstein Center.

"The student-athletes that we honor today are the best of the best, those who are able to balance academics and athletics and excel in both," CSU Director of Athletics John Parry said. "To see 66-percent of our student-athletes being honored for having over a 3.0 grade point average speaks highly about the goals and missions of Cleveland State University and the Department of Athletics."

The 166 student-athletes, representing 66-percent of CSU's student-athlete population, were recognized for maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or better through the end of the 2015 fall semester.

The cumulative grade point average of all CSU student-athletes is 3.21.

There were a total of 68 first-year honorees, 42 second-year honorees, 32 third-year honorees, 21 fourth-year honorees and three fifth-year honorees.

Several additional awards were handed out at the luncheon.

Women's soccer player Erin O'Toole (Parma Heights, Ohio/Holy Name) received the President's Award as the graduating senior student-athlete with the highest grade point average.

O'Toole, who sports a 3.93 GPA as an Operations & Supply Chain Management major, was a four-year letterwinner and started 70 of the 73 career matches she played. A key component of the CSU defense during her career, O'Toole tallied one goal and two assists in her career, while helping the Vikings to 16 shutouts during her four years.

Wrestling standout Riley Shaw (Washington, Ohio/Washington) received the 16th annual John McLendon Award, which is given to the student-athlete who best represents the ideals and personal philosophy of McLendon, a former CSU men's basketball coach who is an enshrinee in the Basketball Hall of Fame.

Shaw recently concluded his career as a three-time NCAA qualifier and top-16 finisher in each of the last two seasons. He posted 102 career wins and carries a 3.8 GPA as a political science major. A four-time team captain, Shaw often organized community service projects for his teammates throughout his career.

Women's diver Samantha Sposet (Westlake, Ohio/Westlake ) received the John and Sandra Konstantinos's Scholarship, which is presented to the student-athlete who best reflects and embodies the virtues of former CSU Director of Athletics John Konstantinos, including leadership, integrity, perseverance, loyalty and humility.

The "Best of the Best" Team Award, which is given to the sport having the highest team grade point average in the department, went to women's soccer. The team has a cumulative 3.63 grade point average.

Since its inception in the Spring of 1991, the Athletic Academic Honors Luncheon has burgeoned from 41 student-athletes honored to the 166 that were honored today.