HAGEN-SMITH, DAVIS WIN CHAMPIONS OF CHARACTER AWARDS
Shawnee State’s Robin Hagen-Smith and Aaron Davis are the recipients of the 2008 NAIA Region IX Champions of Character Awards.  Recipients of these awards must exhibit a commitment to the NAIA Champions of Character program and the five core values of respect, responsibility, integrity, servant leadership and sportsmanship.   

Hagen-Smith, the women’s basketball coach at Shawnee State since 1989, received the NAIA Region IX Coach of Character Award.   

“Coach Hagen-Smith is a great representative of Shawnee State University, the athletic program, and women’s basketball,” said SSU acting athletic director and men’s basketball coach, Jeff Hamilton.  “I can’t think of a more deserving person to receive this award.  Through her commitment to the NAIA and Champions of Character, she continually produces great teams both on and off the floor.” 

Aaron Davis, a graduating senior men’s basketball player from Mt. Orab, OH, received the NAIA Region IX Dr. LeRoy Walker Award.  The award is one of the most prestigious awards in the NAIA and was created as part of the NAIA’s association with Citizenship Through Sports Alliance.   

“During my 17 years around college athletics, I have not come across a better example of a student-athlete than Aaron Davis,” said Hamilton.  “He truly represents all the great values that Champions of Character embody.  He has worked extremely hard not only to be a good basketball player but a great leader and teammate.  I have been extremely fortunate to not only coach Aaron, but become his friend.  I know he is extremely honored and humbled by this prestigious award.” 

“It isn’t often that we have two recipients from the same institutions,” said NAIA Champions of Character Coordinator, Kathy Busch.  “The NAIA is proud to have (them) as two of our finest representatives.  We know the NAIA has some of the finest coaches and student athletes in the world.”

Softball
SHAWNEE STATE SPLITS WITH OHIO DOMINICAN
The Shawnee State Softball Team split a double-header with Ohio Dominican University to complete the season.  Shawnee State finishes the season 20-19 overall and 9-15 in the American Mideast Conference.  Ohio Dominican goes to 21-28 overall and 14-6 in the American Mideast Conference.

Ali Hull-Keaton hit a single to center field in the bottom of the 7^th inning to score two runs and force the game into extra innings, but it wasn’t enough as the Bears lost 3-2 in 10 innings.  Lori Harmon was tagged with the loss as she pitched 10 innings and allowed 3 runs on 5 hits, 1 walk and struck out 4 batters.  Erica Sutter got the win for ODU as she pitched the final 2 innings and allowed 1 hit.  Petra Jones pitched 8 innings for the Panthers and allowed 2 runs on 4 hits, 1 walk, while striking out 3.  [Box Score]

Shawnee State won the night-cap 9-1 in 6 innings.  Katie Daniel got the win as she pitched 6 innings and allowed 1 run on 4 hits and 2 walks.  She had 3 strike outs in the game.  Petra Jones got the loss as she pitched the final 1/3 innings and allowed 1 run on 2 hits.  Maria Staton pitched 4 1/3 innings for ODU and allowed 3 runs (2 earned) on 4 hits, 2 walks, and had 1 strikeout.  Erica Sutter pitched 1 inning and allowed 5 runs on 2 hits, 2 walks, and had 2 strikeouts.  In their final games for the Bears, Tammie Jo Coleman scored 2 runs and had 2 RBI’s in the game, Katie Wade had 3 RBI’s, and Ali Hull-Keaton added 2 RBI’s.  [Box Score]