Six Howard Payne student-athletes were named to the Distinguished Scholar-Athlete teams in their respective American Southwest Conference 2012 fall sport, the league office announced on Thursday.
Overall, 64 student-athletes from ASC men’s cross country, women’s cross country, football, men’s soccer, women’s soccer and volleyball were named to Distinguished Scholar-Athlete Teams. All honorees were also named to the Fall 2012 ASC Academic All-Conference Team.
FOOTBALL
Thomas Head started all 10 games at quarterback for Howard Payne. He threw from 1,181 yards with four TDs. Head was also second on the team in rushing with 392 yards on 125 carries reaching the end zone six times. Head was named a Team Captain by his teammates and received the 2012 Yellow Jacket Award.
MEN’S SOCCER
Ryan Young started at goal keeper in 10 matches for the Jackets. He went 3-5-1 and recorded 39 total saves and one shutout versus the University of Dallas
WOMEN’S SOCCER
Shannon Costello started 14 of the 15 Lady Jacket matches in 2012. She scored one goal versus Schreiner and recorded two assists one the year. She was second on the team in shots on goal with 11. Shannon is second all-time at HPU in Assists (18), Assists per game (.28), Shot Attempts (129) and Shots on Goal (72) and in Games Started.
VOLLEYBALL
Sarah Davies started in five of her 26 matches played in for the Lady Jackets. She had a season high nine kills versus Texas Lutheran and had six total blocks twice during the year.
MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY
Brady Timmons finished 66th at the ASC cross country championships. Timmons best finish of the season was at the Hardin-Simmons Invitational placing 42nd overall.
WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY
Shandi Winstead finished 89th at the 2012 ASC cross country championships. Winstead is also a standout on the HPU Lady Jacket softball team at first base.
The honor, in its sixth academic year, recognizes student-athletes that achieve a higher level of academic achievement (a 3.20 grade-point average or better) while competing as a starter or important reserve on their team. From that list – limited to one nominee per school in each ASC championship sport – the sports information directors from the conference’s 14 member institutions vote on a Distinguished Scholar-Athlete from each sport.