Eph Senior Forward Wins Jostens Trophy
.jpg) Blake Schultz |
A nationwide committee voted on the 10 finalists to receive the 2010 Jostens Trophy, to be presented to Schultz by the Salem, Va. Rotary Club at their luncheon on Thursday, March 18, at the Salem Civic Center.
Schultz is the 13th recipient of the Jostens Trophy and the second Eph to receive it. Michale Nogelo was the first Eph and the first recipient of the Salem Rotary Club’s Jostens Trophy in 1998. The trophy models the Rotary International motto of "Service above Self" by recognizing those who truly fit the ideal of the well-rounded Division III student-athlete. The award recognizes playing ability, academic performance and community service.
"This award speaks volumes of Blake as a player, a student and a person," said coach Mike Maker. "I’m sure I speak for everyone at Williams in congratulating Blake on winning this prestigious award. Blake’s work ethic and his commitment to improving his community should serve as a model to every student-athlete."
Schultz, an economics major, is a candidate for medical school and a finalist for Teach for America. He will defer medical school for two years to participate in the Teach for America Program.
At Williams Schultz is the first two-time winner of Sinc Hart Award for a Williams men’s basketball player, who has been a valued good-will ambassador for his sport, college, and community through community service commitments. He has served on the Student Athlete Advisory Committee for three years; participated in the nationwide Best-Buddies program mentoring mentally challenged youths for three years and for two of those years was the treasurer of the Williams chapter.
Additionally, Schultz has coordinated Eph team relationships with the local A Better Chance (ABC) program and nearby Berkshire Farm Center (juvenile delinquents in a New York State residence facility), enabling the participants to visit practices and meet and correspond with players. Further, he coordinated free summer basketball camp opportunities for ABC students. He also was the basketball team’s Toys for Tots representative.
On the basketball court Schultz was named to the 2010 All-NESCAC First Team and is the NESCAC Player of the Year. He was twice named NESCAC Player of the week; MVP of the Williams Invitational; Randolph Macon All-Tournament Team; Purple & Gold MVP and he leads NESCAC and Williams in scoring with 520 points (18.6 ppg). He will graduate ranking in the top 10 all-time in points and rebounds at Williams.
