Cummings, Matthews, Youtz Named PNC Student-Athletes of the Year at 13th Annual Breakfast of Champions

Photo by: Joseph V. Labolito/Temple University

Cummings, Matthews, Youtz Named PNC Student-Athletes of the Year at 13th Annual Breakfast of Champions

4.29.15 | Field Hockey, Football, General, Men's Basketball, Men's Crew, Men's Golf, Men's Tennis, Women's Basketball, Women's Rowing, Women's Lacrosse, Women's Soccer, Women's Volleyball

PHILADELPHIA – For the 13th-straight year, Temple University honored its student-athletes at the 2015 Breakfast of Champions, and for the second consecutive year, and third time in its history, there were co-winners of one of the PNC Student-Athlete of the Year awards.

Senior Amber Youtz of the field hockey team was the PNC Female Student-Athlete of the Year while senior Will Cummings of the men's basketball team and junior golfer Brandon Matthews shared the PNC Male Student-Athlete of the Year honor. In all, over 300 student-athletes were honored at the breakfast.

"The Breakfast of Champions is the signature event for Temple University athletics, and we are so thankful that PNC Bank continues to be the presenting sponsor," said Vice President and Director of Athletics Kevin Clark. "Having student-athletes recognize each other for their accomplishments, on the field, in the classroom and in the community, makes this event so very special. Congratulations to all of the recipients. You make Temple proud."

Youtz, a native of Dauphin, Pa., became the first Temple field hockey player to earn First Team All-American honors in 22 years when she was selected to the team following an incredible senior season. The Owls' forward, who also earned Second Team All-America honors in 2013, finished the season second in the nation in goals (27) and points (62) while helping Temple to a 14-7 overall record and a #14 final ranking in the NFHCA poll. For her career, the three-time All-Region and two-time Conference Offensive Player of the Year ranks third all-time in goals (69), fourth in points (165) and eighth in assists (27).

Cummings, a native of Jacksonville, Fla., had a stellar season, leading the Owls in scoring (14.8 ppg), assists (151) and steals (67) to help the team advance to the semifinals of the 2015 National Invitation Tournament. The three-year starter earned First Team NABC All-District honors as well as First Team all-American Athletic Conference and Philadelphia Big 5 accolades. An invitee to the Reese's College All-Star Game, he finished his career with 1,245 points, 357 assists and 159 steals (10th on the all-time Temple list).

Matthews, a native of Dupont, Pa., has simply turned in the best season of golf in Temple history. Not only did the standout golfer win four tournaments during the 2014-15 campaign, but he tied the school mark for career wins (8) set back in 1986. Matthews, who became the first Owl to be selected as an individual qualifier to the NCAA Tournament last season, has a 70.9 stroke average over 30 rounds which is a new single season school record. His phenomenal junior season also included 11 straight Top 10 finishes and three straight tournament wins. He also won the prestigious 2014 Dixie Amateur title between semesters.

It was also announced at the Breakfast that 202 student-athletes were named to the Director's Honor Roll (3.0-3.49 cumulative grade point average) with an additional 76 student-athletes named to the President's Honor Roll (3.50 or above). Temple also honored its Trustee Ten, its top student-athletes in terms of grade point average – Kati Jordan Funck (men's crew), Amanda Fuertsch (field hockey), Maros Januvka (men's tennis), Nicole Stark (women's rowing), Jaqi Kakalecik (women's lacrosse), Krissy Gallivan (women's lacrosse), Kaylee Harner (women's soccer), Alyssa Drachslin (volleyball), Taylor Matsinger (women's soccer) and Shauni Kerkhoff (women's soccer).

The women's lacrosse team won The Owl Trophy for the top Team GPA Award with an aggregate grade point average of 3.51 while the women's rowing team captured the Owl Cup, given to the team that has best exemplified the initiatives set forth by the NCAA CHAMPS/Life Skills program: student-athletes supporting other student-athletes, excelling in and out of the classroom, attending CHAMPS/Life Skill workshops, volunteerism, and the promotion of a healthy and competitive campus environment. The Owl Cup was the fourth straight earned by women's rowing.

Senior Tyonna Williams (women's basketball) and senior Zack Bambary (football) were named as the recipients of the Enterprise Spirit and Sportsmanship Award, given annually to student-athletes who have demonstrated a devotion to the essence of sport through their acts of sportsmanship.

Redshirt junior Tyler Mayes (football) and junior Alyssa Drachslin (volleyball) were named the male and female recipients of the Temple Teammates Community Service Award, given to student-athletes who have demonstrated leadership qualities in the area of community service, inspiring others to engage in similar selfless civic endeavors for the purpose of improving the quality of life for those in the local community.

Redshirt sophomore Daniel Dingle (men's basketball) and senior Lizzy Millen (field hockey) were selected the NovaCare Comeback Student-Athletes of the Year while senior Jennifer Iacobini (volleyball) was named the recipient of the Diamond in the Rough award, given to recognize a student-athlete who has made substantial grade improvements throughout his or her academic career.

Attendees were treated to a special performance by football student-athletes Khalif Herbin and Stephaun Marshall. These student-athletes showcased their talents this year at the second annual student-athlete talent show held earlier in the month, where they received the award for most creative performance.

Senior Ray Smeriglio, who is the President of the Student Government, served as the emcee for this year's Breakfast of Champions for a second year in a row, while PNC was the presenting sponsor.

Athletics Highlight Video l Cummings Highlights l Matthews Highlights l Youtz Highlights | 2015 Breakfast of Champions Video l Photo Gallery l Highlights of Breakfast of Champions