Graduating student-athletes from each of the 15 American Southwest Conference member institutions have been named as recipients of the 2009-10 ASC Scholar-Athlete Award on their respective campuses, the ASC office announced on Wednesday. Ross Sidman and Lauren Hankins were the winners for Howard Payne University.

The ASC Scholar-Athlete Award is presented to one male and one female member of the graduating class who has compiled the most outstanding record in academics, athletics and leadership over their collegiate career. The award is presented annually by the Faculty Athletics Representative at each conference member institution.

Ross Sidman, Criminal Justice, Men’s Tennis, Seabrook, TX
A four-year letterman, Ross will graduate with a degree in Criminal Justice. He played a key role in the Jackets making the ASC postseason tournament the past two seasons. He is a three-time Academic All-Conference selection, on the HPU President’s list, and an All-Conference selection. Ross is also a member of Sigma Theta Phi and has helped out with Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Brownwood. 

Lauren Hankins, Elementary Education, Women’s Soccer, Midlothian, TX
Lauren, honored on the HPU President’s List, is majoring in Elementary Education and plans to teach after graduation. After spending one year at Navarro JC, she has been Honorable Mention All-Conference and named to the ASC Distinguished Scholar-Athlete Team while at HPU. She is also a member of Gamma Beta Phi, Student Foundation and Kappa Delta Pi. 

Recipients of the ASC Scholar-Athlete Award represent nine different conference sports and include individuals who graduated with academic honors or hold admissions to graduate-level programs; are members of academic honor societies and campus organizations; competed on national, conference or division title teams; earned ASC All-Academic, Distinguished Scholar-Athlete, All-Conference or All-Division honors; and who served as volunteers, tutors and teachers within their campus, community and church groups.