RICHARDSON, Texas -- Mary Hardin-Baylor golfer Spencer Turner and Concordia Texas soccer player Dalaine Whitlock - both seniors - have been named winners of the 2012-13 American Southwest Conference Community Service Award, the ASC office announced on Wednesday (May 22) after a vote of the league's athletic directors.

The ASC Community Service Award, in its fifth academic year, honors a male and female student-athlete who best displays leadership and action in fostering community service on their campus and local community. Each ASC member institution has the opportunity to nominate its campus community service award winner to the conference-wide ballot.
Turner (Brush Prairie, Wash. / Hockinson HS), a communication major, is a four-year letterman and a campus and community leader for the UMHB athletics department. He is a three-time ASC All-Academic selection and four-year member of the UMHB Vice-President for Athletics Honor Roll. Turner serves as a UMHB Ambassador, hand-picked by President Randy O'Rear to serve in that role. Turner has also served in the following roles: Stunt Night Emcee for Miss UMHB twice; SearchCru 2010-11; Senior Class Chaplain (Student Government Association); Easter Pageant disciple; Homecoming Court; Sigma Delta Pi (National collegiate Hispanic honors society); and Reaching Out community service days.

Turner helped organize a UMHB men's golf canned food drive in the fall and has participated in the team's adopt-a-family activities during the Christmas holidays. Turner will attend Baylor Law School beginning this fall and maintains a 4.00 GPA.

"Spencer is a young man who will go out of his way to help others," Mary Hardin-Baylor men's golf head coach Aaron Rodeffer said. "Being a competitive golfer, excelling in his degree and serving the community is not easy, but he makes it seem so. It has been a privilege to coach him and have him in my program. I look forward to following his many accomplishments in the future."
Whitlock (Belton, Texas / BHS), a behavioral science major, has been president of the CTX Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and also the national SAAC representative for the ASC and Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference over the last two years. She organized and administered the Special Olympics event for Division III at the 2013 NCAA Convention in Grapevine, Texas. It was attended by NCAA President Dr. Mark Emmert. Whitlock also helped start an "Athletes for Athletes" Program that has been recognized by Special Olympics Texas. It involves Concordia Texas student-athletes going to support and volunteer at SOTX events in Austin and Special Olympics Texas athletes coming to CTX home events to support the Tornados in which all the game activities would be centered around them. Whitlock helped organize several activities with SOTX athletes at CTX home games ranging from a unified basketball scrimmage, volleyball serving contest and introductions as well as autograph sessions at baseball and softball games.

CTX Athletics received the Special Olympics Texas Area 13 award for "outstanding service from a civic/service organization," and Whitlock was one of two representatives from Concordia Texas invited to accept the award. Whitlock's tireless efforts with Special Olympics Texas was recognized on a national scale this past winter when she was named one of 20 semifinalists for the 9th Annual Coach John Wooden Citizenship Cup, an award that is given annual to one collegiate and one professional athlete who have made the greatest positive influence in the lives of others. She was among only five Division III student-athletes in the country to be named a semifinalist. She completed internships with the state Special Olympics Texas offices last summer.

"There are so many things I could say about Dalaine and her ability to impact the lives of those she encounters," said Corey Holton, former Concordia Texas soccer head coach. "Dalaine is a tireless worker, a respected leader and someone who cares deeply about helping others. She is wholeheartedly invested in everything she does for her team, her school, her family and her community. She is committed to change and improvement for both herself and for the causes she is involved with. Her contributions to CTX, the NCAA and Special Olympics have changed the course of many lives and her influence will be felt for years to come."

Turner is the third ASC Community Service Award winner from Mary Hardin-Baylor, joining Max Taylor (2010-11) and Seth Lynn (2009-10), while Whitlock is Concordia Texas' first honoree.


2012-13 ASC COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD WINNERS
Male: Spencer Turner, Sr., Mary Hardin-Baylor (Golf)
Female: Dalaine Whitlock, Sr., Concordia Texas (Soccer)

ALL-TIME ASC COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD WINNERS
Year	Male	Female
2012-13	Spencer Turner, Mary Hardin-Baylor	Dalaine Whitlock, Concordia Texas
2011-12	James Fugate, East Texas Baptist	Yvonne Castillo, Texas Lutheran
2010-11	Max Taylor, Mary Hardin-Baylor	Kaitlyn McCanna, Texas Lutheran
2009-10	(co) Michael Cucinotta, East Texas Baptist
	(co) Seth Lynn, Mary Hardin-Baylor	Kaela Parnell, Hardin-Simmons
2008-09	Brandon Pierson, Ozarks	Lea Rana, Ozarks

OTHER 2012-13 ASC COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD CAMPUS HONOREES

Biographical information provided by each student-athletes' sports information director or head coach.

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East Texas Baptist

Name: Tyler Tolopka

Sport: Tennis

Classification: Fr.

Major: Biology

Hometown: Sugar Land, Texas

Summary of community service activities and accomplishments:

Making an immediate impact as a freshman since stepping on campus in August, Tyler Tolopka has a bright future in Marshall and ETBU as a volunteer and leader. The men's tennis SAAC representative and double major in Biology and Chemistry started helping non-profit organizations in the fall with ETBU's charity tennis tournament. He helped organize a tournament to raise funds for Wednesday's Child, a non-profit in the Dallas area, with other members of the tennis team. He then took the lead for ASC's "Make A Change" campaign working with Mission Marshall setting up meetings with their director, running the events at the home basketball games for the promotion of "Make A Change" and meeting with ETBU officials to make sure all ran smoothly. During D3 week, he led the way on a painting project of a house owned by My Friend's House so a homeless family could move in. Going back home for Thanksgiving, he volunteered his time with Second Mile Mission Center handing out food to the homeless. He has already made an impact in his short time on campus and will be next year's ETBU SAAC vice president.

Hardin-Simmons

Name: Tyler Brunnemann

Sport: Baseball

Classification: Sr.

Major: Exercise Science

Hometown: Garden Ridge, Texas

Summary of community service activities and accomplishments:

Brunnemann has been selected as the HSU Sportsmanship Athlete of the Year after his efforts on and off the diamond have been rewarded. He was honored by the Meals on Wheels in April for his work with that organization. He has been a four-year volunteer for the Meals on Wheels. He also has worked with the Special Olympics and has been a three-year member of SAAC and has volunteered many hours off the field. He was dominating on the field with 62 strikeouts and just three walks in 40 innings of work as the HSU closer. He was 1-1 with a school-record 10 saves and a 1.12 ERA.

Howard Payne

Name: Jonathan Henderson

Sport: Football

Classification: Jr.

Major: Christian Education

Hometown: Plainview, Texas

Summary of community service activities and accomplishments:

2012 Who's Who Among US Colleges and Universities. HPU Servant Leadership Award (school year 12-13). Coggin Avenue Baptist Church Youth Intern, FCA Council and MEMBER 2010-13, HPU Resident Assistant (11-12), Baptist Student Ministry Team, Sigma Theta Phi Vice President (12-13), future 13-14 Sigma Theta Phi President, 12-13, ASC Distinguished Scholar-Athlete Team. 2013 HPU Outstanding Male Scholar-Athlete 3.96 Cum GPA. 2013 Spring break mission trip Uganda. Two-time Academic All-Conference honoree. Member of HPU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

Louisiana College

Name: Cortland Bell

Sport: Football

Classification: Sr.

Major: Health and Physical Education

Hometown: Oakdale, La.

Summary of community service activities and accomplishments:

Leader of LC's Fellowship of Christian Athletes organization ... Three-time football team captain ... Leader of multiple church organizations and youth groups in the Central Louisiana area ... Spent the summer on a mission trip in Haiti.

Mississippi College

Name: Pate Shackelford

Sport: Baseball

Classification: Sr.

Major: Kinesiology

Hometown: North Carrollton, Miss.

Summary of community service activities and accomplishments:

Pate has served as an intern in the college ministry in the First Baptist Church of Jackson, Mississippi. He helped with the set-up and take down of college services on Sunday mornings and Wednesday night. Pate helped lead a Bible study for men in the college ministry at First Jackson on Sunday nights. He also helped organize a toy drive at First Baptist Jackson that collected toys for less fortunate families in the Jackson Metro area. The students then traveled to the homes and delivered the toys to the children. Pate also helped the church organize a group of college students to serve alongside church members in going throughout the Jackson community and doing yard work.

Ozarks

Name: Andrew Cummings

Sports: Basketball/Soccer

Classification: Jr.

Major: Education

Hometown: Mansfield, Texas

Summary of community service activities and accomplishments:

Andrew Cummings has been a volunteer for the Special Olympics, FCA and church ministry camps during his time at Ozarks. He attended a Christian-based camp over spring break and will also volunteer for a mission trip over the summer. Cummings has spearheaded an effort on campus to increase participation in the school's FCA organization. He actively organizes group meetings and bible studies. Aside from playing two sports, he is the most supportive and school-spirited athlete on campus. He is visible at nearly every home athletic event actively supporting his fellow athletes. He was named to the basketball All-Defensive Team during the season.

Schreiner

Name: Manny Longoria

Sport: Basketball

Classification: Sr.

Major: Accounting

Hometown: El Paso, Texas

Summary of community service activities and accomplishments:

For the past four years, Longoria has been mentor for a student at Tom Daniels Elementary. He volunteered weekly. Longoria, who was also a key part of the basketball team for four years, is also involved in the Tally Elementary Mentoring Program, the Accounting club, Sigma Beta Delta and took part in various community service projects with the basketball program.

Texas-Tyler

Name: Jake Waddingham

Sport: Track and Field

Classification: Sr.

Majors: Journalism and Political Science

Hometown: Macksburg, Iowa

Summary of community service activities and accomplishments:

Jake has taken pictures for the Special Olympics athletes of East Texas. He helped put together and organize the Tread-A-Thon on campus for Autism Awareness. Jake's family also takes time each Christmas and serves lunch at a local nursing home in his hometown.

Texas Lutheran

Name: Bradley Snowden

Sport: Football

Classification: Jr.

Major: Physics

Hometown: Houston, Texas

Summary of community service activities and accomplishments:

A three-year starter and a two-time Academic All-Conference selection, Bradley Snowden was as active off the field in community service as he was on the field for TLU as a starting linebacker. This year, Brad volunteered for a third straight year with TLU's annual Day of the Dogs service day, during which he participated in a Seguin city park clean-up project. He also volunteered his time with the Salvation Army donation campaign, and he volunteered at TLU's annual Vespers service and at the annual TLU scholarship luncheon as a member of TLU's Black & Gold President's Council. In his Bulldog career, Brad has also volunteered for service projects at My Father's Farm (two years), and he has mentored middle school kids at the Seguin alternative school. Brad has also given his time at Seguin's A.J. Briesemeister Middle School, where he taught children about the importance of exercise and nutrition. A three-year letterman and two-year starter at linebacker, Brad has accumulated 175 total tackles in three seasons. A team captain, Brad was named to the 2012 ASC All-Conference First Team Defense after leading TLU in tackles for a second straight season. This past football season, Brad had 74 tackles, nine tackles for loss (27 yards in losses), three fumble recoveries and a forced fumble.

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East Texas Baptist

Name: Lya Swaner

Sport: Softball

Classification: Sr.

Majors: Biology / Chemistry

Hometown: St. Paul, Texas

Summary of community service activities and accomplishments:

Lya Swaner has been a servant to Marshall and ETBU community this year carrying a 3.85 GPA balancing a double major. Balancing being an honors student in Biology and Chemistry along with playing on a championship team, she volunteered in Marshall helping with the Christmas marathon and continued to use her leadership reaching out to Mission Marshall and My Friend's House (homeless shelter) as the SAAC President with ideas to help these organizations. She was the key leader and contact for bringing East Texas Special Olympics on campus in basketball season. This was the first time that the East Texas Special Olympics were on campus as the SAAC members played in the auxiliary gym before attending an ETBU basketball game together. Her leadership led the ETBU SAAC to new barriers for D3 Week and in Marshall as three non-profits. ETBU and Marshall are better because of her time and decisions to help.

Hardin-Simmons

Name: Madison Reyes

Sport: Volleyball

Classification: Sr.

Major: Exercise Science

Hometown: Abilene, Texas

Summary of community service activities and accomplishments:

Not only one of the best players in ASC history, she is also very active in the community. She coaches club volleyball, is active with the Special Olympics and serves the volleyball team on the SAAC. She also is active in the peer mentoring program. She was a four-time first-team all-ASC West selection and was named an All-American after leading the Cowgirls to their third straight ASC title this year.

Louisiana College

Name: Emily Douglas

Sport: Softball

Classification: Sr.

Major: Fitness and Wellness

Hometown: Gonzales, La.

Summary of community service activities and accomplishments:

Vice-president of LC's Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) ... Helped LC's SAAC raise nearly $1,000 for cancer research in the name of former LC women's basketball player and head coach Janice Joseph-Richard ... Also jump-started an effort on campus that raised over 315 pounds of canned food items for the Central Louisiana Food Bank ... Also a multiple-time team captain for LC's softball team.

Mary Hardin-Baylor

Name: Morgan Baker

Sport: Volleyball

Classification: Sr.

Major: Pre-Physical Therapy

Hometown: Richmond, Texas

Summary of community service activities and accomplishments:

Morgan was a three-year letter winner for Cru volleyball and has played for a pair of ASC Tournament Qualifiers. She played for teams that set back-to-back school records for victories in a single-season and was voted CoSIDA Academic All-American honors this fall. Morgan was also a two-time CoSIDA Academic All-District and ASC All-Academic pick. She was named ASC Volleyball Distinguished Scholar-Athlete this season. Off the court, Baker has encouraged teammates to participate in several local service opportunities, including cooking meals at the Ronald McDonald House and assisting at the Helping Hands food pantry in Belton. She has also served in the Student Ambassador program, the Mission Leadership Council, Search Cru, Image, the Random Acts of Kindness service group, the Alpha Chi National College Honor Society, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Last year during her Christmas break Morgan took part on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic, helping establish a summer camp for children there. She is also active in children's summer camps in the U.S. and through the volleyball team has implemented skills clinics for young players. She was awarded the Heavin Servant Leadership Award in the fall for her involvement in community service and also carries a 4.00 GPA.

Mississippi College

Name: Bethany Roberson

Sport: Soccer

Classification: Sr.

Major: Graphic Design

Hometown: Collierville, Tenn.

Summary of community service activities and accomplishments:

Bethany is a four-year member of the Mississippi College President's and Dean's List, the ASC All-Academic Team and the ASC Distinguished Scholar-Athlete Team. She is actively involved on campus, working in the admissions department as a Scout and is an officer in her social club. She is involved in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and is on the leadership committee. As a member, she has led a group to go serve in the apartment ministries, visiting different apartment complexes and playing with the children or helping out around the house. She has volunteered at numerous Disciple Now's and has helped out at the Mississippi Animal Rescue League and animal hospital.

Ozarks

Name: Morgan O'Neil

Sport: Soccer

Classification: Sr.

Majors: Environmental Studies/Political Science/English

Hometown: Marion, Ill.

Summary of community service activities and accomplishments:

Morgan O'Neil has been steady community and campus volunteer during her four years at Ozarks. A team captain, she provides mentoring to area youth as a soccer coach and referee in the Tri-County Soccer Association. While attending to a busy schedule as Student Body President, she has volunteered with the Johnson County Junior Auxiliary Charity Ball, Helping Hands Women's Shelter and Clarksville's Needy Paws Animal Shelter. On campus, she has volunteered with the Student Foundation Board, the Bench and Bar organization, the Residence Hall Association and Oxfam. She has already completed an internship in Washington DC for an Environmental Agency and will now join the Peace Corps following graduation. She will then attend Law School. She has been on the President's List (4.0 gpa) and will graduate with Summa Cum Laude honors. She is a three-time member of the ASC All-Academic Team and helped the team earn the NSCAA Academic Team Award twice.

Texas-Tyler

Name: Joey Cronin

Sport: Softball

Classification: Sr.

Major: Kinesiology

Hometown: Celina, Texas

Summary of community service activities and accomplishments:

Joey has spent numerous hours giving back to the community. She has been a big part of the Boys and Girls club Day at the Park in Tyler that gives children a chance to learn about baseball and softball. She also has spent time at the East Texas Food Bank, helping to prepare food for thousands of less-fortunate people in the Smith County area. Joey was a key part of the Project Sacrifice Project the Patriots were a part of. The athletes raised money and items for military members overseas at Christmas time. Cronin has also spent time giving free lessons for the RCGSA and participated in the Parkinson's Day Walk just a few weeks ago.