Ohio Northern University athletes are accomplished in the classroom as well as on the field or court. Many received OAC Academic All-Conference honors this spring. The award winners must be a sophomore or higher in class standing, maintain varsity status and have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.50, which at most schools qualifies one for the Deans List.
Many of ONU’s academic programs are rigorous. So, to take tough courses and excel in athletics is noteworthy. Not only do the students make good grades, the individuals on the sports teams were winners. The women took the All-Conference trophy this spring, the best of 10 schools. The men ranked high, too. They placed second among the 10 OAC schools in wins.
Here are the ONU Academic All-Conference winners for spring:
Men’s Lacrosse
A school-record 10 Ohio Northern players were named Academic All-Ohio Athletic Conference in men's lacrosse. They are juniors Andrew Fox (Solon), Andrew Laudico (Williamsville, N.Y./South) and Matthew Laudico (Williamsville, N.Y./South), Andrew Markell (Missouri City, Tex./Ridge Point), Jackson Pfister (Upper Arlington) and Noah St. Croix (Rochester, N.Y./Irondequoit) and sophomores Kevin Giles (Williamsburg, Va./Warhill), Logan Krogman (Aurora, Ill./Waubonsie Valley), Cameron Marous (Brecksville) and John Mullin (Syracuse, N.Y./Christian Brothers Academy).
Women’s Track and Field
The Ohio Northern women's track and field team saw nine athletes recognized. This marks the fourth consecutive season the Polar Bears have had at least nine athletes recognized on the list. They are seniors Emily Richards (Delaware/Hayes) and Mallory Weininger (Upper Sandusky), juniors Elizabeth Steele (Tempe, Ariz./Corona del Sol), Kristina Myers (Orient/Central Crossing), Angie Sullivan (Medina), Taylor Fisher (Wapakoneta) and Sydney McCluer(Columbus Grove), and sophomores Allison Stevens (Naperville, Ill./Naperville Central) and Maggie Krause (Chagrin Falls/Kenston).
Softball
Seniors Miranda Huddle (Versailles) and Leanna Henry (West Jefferson), juniors Hailee Loughman (Brookville) and Laura Burden (Pleasant Hill/Newton), sophomores Gabby Stewart (Union, Ky./St. Henry), Alicia Swierz (Deerfield/Southeast), and Mallory Taylor(Olmsted Falls).
Baseball
Senior Brandon Kasberg (Mentor), juniors Austin Frey (Peoria, Az./Sunrise Mountain), Caleb Thomas (Strongsville), Blake Lester (Chesepeake), and Jackson Buda (Norton), and sophomores Scott Beaton (Novi, Mich.) and Tommy Vlasek (Richfield/Revere).
Men’s Track and Field
Senior Alex Sibila (Zionsville, Ind.), and sophomores Alex Marsch (Orwell/Grand Valley), Andrew Shelton (Williamsville, N.Y./Williamsville South), Kyle Neff (Sagamore Hills/Walsh Jesuit), Brian Ruffini (Dennison/Claymont), Bryan Peck (Westerville/Westerville North), and Noah McKee (Powell/Olentangy Liberty).
Women’s Lacrosse
Seniors Chelsea Cousins (Lewis Center/Olentangy) and Shannen Larsen Van Alstine(Neenah, Wis.) and sophomores Eli Carter (Lebanon), Ann McArn (Bay Village/Western Reserve Academy) and Rachel Shipman (Noblesville, Ind.).
Women’s Golf
Senior Raven Venegas (Lima/Shawnee), juniors Alaina Mikolajewski (Piqua) and Caitlin Silva (Hilliard/Bradley) and sophomore Taylor Daniel (Columbia City, Ind.).
Men’s Golf
Senior Zach Goodchild (Pickerington/North), juniors Joshua Turich (Centerville) and Shane Meek (Port Clinton) and sophomore Ryan Tatman (West Chester/Lakota East).
Men’s Tennis
Juniors Jake Abbott (Kenton) and Tim Kargl (Downers Grove, Ill./South) and sophomore Connor Christian (Gallipolis/Gallia Academy).
Women’s Tennis
Senior Lynn Kelly (Mason).
Men’s soccer
The men's soccer team once again excelled in the classroom following a successful spring semester. For their efforts, the Polar Bears earned the National Team Academic award for the ninth consecutive season.
In addition, Northern posted a 3.41 team grade point average, while eight players earned a perfect 4.0 marking five consecutive years with at least five players earning a 4.0.
ONU also had 22 players named to the Dean's List, marking the eighth season Northern has had 10 or more players earn a 3.50 GPA or better.
