Feb. 14, 2005
ALBUQUERQUE, NM - The Albuquerque Convention and Visitors Bureau (ACVB) is proud to announce the 'Watch List' for the 3rd annual Collegiate Basketball Award of Excellence presented by Creamland Dairies.
The award honors college seniors for their athletic and academic achievement as well as their community involvement. The award will be presented at the end of the 2004-2005 basketball season on April 12, 2005 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
This year high school student athletes from the greater Albuquerque metro area will also be recognized for their achievements as well. The collegiate and high school nominees are included in this release.
"Creamland Dairy is very pleased to be a proud title sponsor for the past three years of this great event. To honor those college and high school students who have excelled in their academics and in their community. These athletes are the next generation of leaders in our communities," Howard Miller, Creamland Dairies General Manager, said.
"We are pleased to have the opportunity to recognize these outstanding student athletes for their contributions to their local communities and universities," said Dan Ballou, sports marketing director at ACVB. "We also appreciate Creamland Dairies for their continued support of this recognition event."
The collegiate nominees will be narrowed down to 10 semi-finalists on March 1, 2005. Three finalists will then be named during the NCAA basketball tournaments and will be presented in Albuquerque on April 12, 2005 at an awards dinner held at the Albuquerque Marriott. Jimmy Dykes, ESPN College Basketball Analyst will emcee the event, and Citadel Communications Sports Radio 610 The Sports Animal and News Radio 770 KKOB are official media sponsors.
Every NCAA Division I school had the opportunity to nominate their men and women student-athletes who are competing in their senior year. The following athletes are the 25 men and 36 women 'Watch List' nominees for the Collegiate Basketball Award of Excellence presented by Creamland Dairies.
Male Athletes
Lance Allred, Weber State University
Daniel Ewing, Duke University
Andrew Ford, Purdue University
Craig Forth, Syracuse University
Channing Frye, University of Arizona
Luke Spencer-Gardner, Oral Roberts University
Ryan Gomes, Providence College
Joey Graham, Oklahoma State University
Stephen Graham, Oklahoma State University
Danny Granger, University of New Mexico
Chuck Hayes, University of Kentucky
Pooh Jeter, University of Portland
Shema Neza Mbyirukira, Birmingham-Southern College
Tyler McKinney, Creighton University
Aaron Miles, University of Kansas
Sean Munson, Wagner College
Spencer Nelson, Utah State University
Roger Powell, University of Illinois
Shane Power, Mississippi State
Matt Preston, Columbia University
Ronald Ross JR. Texas Tech University
Mike Slattery, University of Delaware
Chris Thomas, University of Notre Dame
Dijon Thompson, University of California, Los Angeles
John Turek, University of Nebraska
Female Athletes
Katie Billie, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Courtney Boynton, Lipscomb University
Jamie Cavey, University of Iowa
Liz Dancause, George Washington University
Jessica DePalo, Lehigh University
Jessalyn Deveny, Boston College
Kate Endress, Ball State University
Katie Feenstra, Liberty University
Kate Flavin, University of Richmond
Julie Gjertsen, Weber State University
Shareese Grant, Old Dominion University
Laney Harris, Furman University
Becky Heidotten, University of Tulsa
Katie Houlehan, University of Missouri - Kansas City
Sandora Irvin, Texas Christian University
Erin Jaschik, Columbia University
Jina Johansen, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Kristin Keller, Marist College (Poughkeepsie, NY)
Jennifer Lacy, Pepperdine University
Nicole Lehman, Southwest Missouri State
Claudia Louis, Oral Roberts University
Tiara Malcom, University of Delaware
Anna Montanana, George Washington University
Mandi Moore, University of New Mexico
Tiffany Mor, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
Kay Odenwaeider, Fairleigh Dickinson
Joann Overstreet, University of Houston
Megan Roney, University of Missouri
Nina Stone, Oklahoma State University
Lauren Surber, Siena College
Beth Swink, Saint Francis University of Pennsylvania
Kristal Tharp, Liberty University
Kendra Wecker, Kansas State University
Dee-Dee Wheeler, University of Arizona
Francesca Vanin, Northeastern University
Tan White, Mississippi State University
High School Semifinalists Albuquerque area high schools were given the opportunity to nominate student athletes for the award as well. High school semifinalist nominees are as follows:
Male Athletes
Roman Andrade, Cibola High School
Tyler Baker, Temple Baptist Academy
Forrest Becker, Albuquerque Academy
Josh Cosio, Monzano High School
Daniel Faris, Eldorado High School
Sean Jariwala, Albuqerque High School
Nate Kanyinda, Sandia High School
Andre Vaugn, Highland High School
Chris Williams, Rio Rancho High School
Female Athletes
Kim Holyfield, Valley High School
Lorie Montoya, Temple Baptist Academy
Sara Rondeau, St. Pius X High School
Nicole Tatum, Rio Rancho High School
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Creamland Dairies has served the youth of New Mexico since 1937. Creamland distributes wholesome, quality dairy products that promote strong bodies and strong minds.
The mission of the Albuquerque Convention and Visitors Bureau is to stimulate economic growth by marketing Albuquerque as a visitor and convention destination. For more information, please call 505.842.9918 or visit our web site at www.itsatrip.org.
