Fontbonne’s Kristek, Principia’s Powell Named SLIAC Post Graduate Scholarship Recipients

ST. LOUIS – Fontbonne University senior Ethan Kristek and Principia College senior Casey Powell will be presented the 2012-13 St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC) Male & Female Post Graduate Scholarships. The scholarships, selected by the Conference's Faculty Athletics Representatives (FAR) based on the graduating student-athletes accomplishments in and out of the classroom, awards the recipients a financial stipend towards their first year of graduate study. The presentation will take place at the Conference's second annual awards banquet on Tuesday, May 21st, at the Highlands Golf and Tennis Club in Forest Park.

Kristek, who will graduate on May 18 with a degree in Speech-Language Pathology, is a three-time Academic All-SLIAC recipient. In addition to retaining a GPA higher than 3.5 during his four years at Fontbonne, he has proven to be an exceptional student in his chosen profession, as he has been assigned as an undergraduate student clinician responsible for the therapy sessions for a client, which is given only to the best undergraduate students who show remarkable potential as clinicians. Kristek has shown exemplary leadership both in the community and at Fontbonne where he is the SAAC representative for the men's soccer team, is an active member of The Griffin Gang and NSSHLA, plays men's volleyball and has helped with The Special Olympics for volleyball and soccer through Fontbonne Athletics.

Powell, who is graduating May 11 with a degree in Business Administration and plans to pursue a Master of Science in Marketing or a Master of Science in Integrated Marking Communications, is recognized as a natural leader who leads by example, encouragement and support. A two-year team captain of the Principia cross-country team and current captain of her track team, Powell has held four school records, has been Conference Runner of the Year twice, a three-time All-Conference First Team member, All-Region twice, a three-time Academic All-American and a National Championship qualifier. In addition to her Principia athletic career success, Powell is also a SAAC member. She was nominated for the NCAA Elite 88 Award, and has been a key factor in her team's recognition as Academic All-Americans all four years of her career at Principia.

Previous SLIAC Post Graduate Scholarship Award Winners

2002-03                Joni Dorf, Greenville; Kevin Bartow, Maryville
2003-04                Maureen Walterbach, Maryville; Brady Barke, Webster
2004-05                Christine Baisden, Maryville; Stephen Hoell, Westminster
2005-06                Maria Eftink, Fontbonne; Greg Murphy, Webster
2006-07                Vanda Wilder, Maryville; Ryan Duncan, Maryville
2007-08                Michelle Reale, Fontbonne; Tyler Tate, Maryville
2008-09                Rachael Richards, Principia; Jason Warncke, Westminster
2009-10                Laura Watt, Blackburn; Shanna Crafts, Westminster
2010-11                Aaron Phelan, Eureka; Kelli Ruppel, MacMurray
2011-12*              William Boxdorfer, Fontbonne; Rachel Backes, Westminster

*The 2011-12 recipients were recognized as the SLIAC Scholar Athletes of the Year.