Posted: Aug 14, 2008
HARRISONBURG, Va.,– The Virginia Sports Information Directors recently honored 222 collegiate student-athletes for their performances both in the classroom and in competition as the organization selected the 2007-08 VaSID Academic All-State Team. Hillary Hudgins (softball), Katie Suehs (track & field) and Ben Sultze (men's lacrosse) represented Roanoke for their athletic and academic performances this spring.
Hudgins, a recent graduate and a centerfielder on the Maroons' softball team, held a 3.48 GPA as a biology major this spring. She was miss consistency all season for the Maroons. The centerfielder led the team in nearly every batting category and is among the top-five all-time at Roanoke in batting (4th), hits (2nd), runs scored (3rd), doubles (3rd) and walks (3rd). She had been a full-time starter over her career and had totaled over 130 starts, 200 hits, 130 runs scored, 40 doubles, 55 walks and a .405 career batting average.
Suehs, from Bluefield, WV, an All-ODAC selection in the weight-throw, set a school-record in the event during the 2008 indoor season. She led the ODAC in the hammer and discus throws all season. The graduated senior was a two-time ODAC Champion in the hammer throw and was ranked in the top-10 in the conference in the shot and javelin. A team captain this season, Suehs held a 3.82 GPA as a triple major this spring.
Sultze, an Acworth, GA native, held a 3.5 GPA as a business major. A midfielder on the men's lacrosse team, Sultze emerged into one of the top scoring threats this spring, totaling 14 goals along with two assists for 16 points. He had four multi-goal games in addition to 20 groundballs. He scored three goals on three occasions.
The 222 athletes represent the largest group the organization has honored with the awards. Each Virginia institution, including NCAA Division I, II, and III, NAIA, and independents, had the opportunity to submit athletes to be honored. To be eligible, student-athletes were required to have a cumulative grade point average of 3.20 or better. The student must have achieved sophomore status, and he or she could not have been in the first season of competition at their current school. All athletes are either starters or key reserves for their team.
