News Releases

February 4, 2011
For Immediate Release
For additional information: 
Barbara Kerr, APR
Executive Director of Communications and Marketing
Telephone: 360-992-2921
Email: bkerr@clark.edu 

Clark College Honors December 2010 Student Athletes of the Month

Student athletes Derek Owens and Deborah Simmers
are honored for their leadership
on Clark’s basketball teams
   

VANCOUVER, Wash. – They are leaders on and off the basketball court.  Now, student athletes Derek Owens and Deborah Simmers have been honored as the December 2010 "Athletes of the Month" at Clark College.   

Derek Owens came to Clark College from Tempe, Ariz., where he scored 19 points as he led his team at McClintock High School to a victory in the first round of the 2010 state championships. 

Head coach Mike Arnold says, “His poise and playmaking ability have helped the Penguins get off to a 7-4 start this season, and his 4.5 assists per game place him seventh on the NWAACC leader board for assists.” Arnold adds that he expects Owens “to continue his leadership role as the season progresses and to demonstrate to his teammates what it takes to win a championship.” 

Owens also excels in the classroom.  During fall quarter, he earned a 3.88 grade point average (GPA), placing him on the honor roll of Clark’s Vice President of Instruction.

Deborah Simmers came to Clark College from Anchorage Christian in Anchorage, Alaska.  Head coach Nancy Boone says “Deb’s game-high 29 points propelled Clark to a 2-1 start in Western Division.  She has exploded onto the scene as a true freshman. Her aggressive and athletic play has allowed her to average 14 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2.6 steals over her first 11 games as a Penguin.” 

Boone also commends Simmers for her work ethic on the court and in the classroom.  During fall quarter, Simmers took 17 credits and finished with a 3.0 GPA.  Boone says, “She is the model athlete, student, and citizen that Clark College aspires to recruit.”

The Student Athlete of the Month program recognizes both the academic and athletic achievements of Clark’s student athletes.  Two recipients are selected each month by a committee that includes Clark College coaches, athletic department personnel, and fellow students.

Each honoree receives a jacket with his or her name embroidered on it. The jackets are provided by Les Schwab through its support of the “Student Athlete of the Month” program, in partnership with Clark’s Penguin Athletic Club and the Clark College Foundation.   

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