Temple University Athletics
TOP STUDENT-ATHLETES HONORED AT BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS
4.26.06 | General
PHILADELPHIA -- Temple University honored its best in athletics, both on and off the field, at its fourth annual Breakfast of Champions Wednesday morning. In all, over 200 Temple student-athletes were recognized for academic and athletic accomplishments with football standout John Gross being named the top senior male Student-Athlete of the Year and Jenna Remmert of the fencing team and field hockey's Ashley Shepps sharing the top senior female Student-Athletes of the Year award.
"The Breakfast of Champions is the perfect way to celebrate as a community what is special about athletics at Temple University," said Director of Athletics Bill Bradshaw, who instituted the event in 2003, his first full year at the school.
Gross, a first team all-ECAC selection, started 34 straight games for the Owls on the offensive line, including 11 starts last season at left tackle. The Slatington, PA (Northern Lehigh HS) native was a semifinalist for the 2005 Draddy Trophy, known as the Academic Heisman. The kinesiology major is a member of Temple's Director's Honor Roll.
Remmert, a four-time qualifier for the NCAA Fencing Championships, won over 150 matches in the foil in her exemplary career. The Haskell, NJ (Lakeland Regional HS) native has served on Temple's Student-Athlete Advisory Council as well as representing the University at the NCAA Leadership Conference. The kinesiology major is a member of Temple's Director's Honor Roll.
Shepps, an NFHCA All-Region Selection, ranked third nationally in defensive saves with seven in leading the Temple field hockey team to an 11-10 record and its best finish (6-1) in Atlantic 10 play since 1989. The Lebanon, PA (Cedar Crest HS) native is a four-time member of the NFHCA All-Academic team. The Psychology major is a member of Temple's Trustees' Honor Roll.
Bradshaw announced that 133 student-athletes were named to the Director's Honor Roll (3.0-3.49 cumulative grade point averages). Temple Senior Vice President Clarence Armbrister furthered that list with the addition of 42 student-athletes to the President's Honor Roll (3.50 or above). University Council George Moore then singled out the Top 10 student-athletes -- Candice Borrows (women's basketball), Jake Brownell (football), Ben Hendy (football), Noelle McKenzie (women's track), Robert Protesto (men's crew), Adrienne Repsher (softball), Ashley Shepps (field hockey), Samantha Vietry (women's soccer), Stephanie Vietry (women's soccer) and Maureen Whitsett (volleyball) - for the Trustees' Honor Roll.
The women's tennis team won the Top Team GPA Award for the fourth straight year with an aggregate grade point average of 3.29.
Athletically, seniors Mardy Collins and Candice Dupree were honored for earning All-America status in men's and women's basketball
The women's basketball and men's gymnastics team and three women's fencers -- Brianna Ferrara, Nina Gernes and Jenna Remmert - were also recognized for participating in the NCAA Tournament.
Special Achievement awards were bestowed on NCAA Faculty Representative JoAnne Epps, who is resigning her post after 14 years of exemplary service to athletics; head volleyball coach Bob Bertucci (250 wins) and Dr. Nikki Franke (500 wins) for milestone victories; and head field hockey Amanda Janney and women's basketball coach Dawn Staley for earning Coach of the Year honors.
Fox 29's Don Tollefson, who has been involved with Philadelphia athletics as a television sports anchor for four decades, served as the emcee for this year's Breakfast of Champions.
2006 Temple University Board of Trustees Honor Roll Standing (from left): Ben Hendy, Maureen Whitsett, Candice Borrows, Ashley Shepps, Jake Brownell, Robert Protesto Seated (from left): Samantha Vietry, Adrienne Repsher, Stephanie Vietry, Noelle McKenzie.
