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May 29, 2003
Corvallis, Ore. - Finalists for the Fifth Annual Bennys Awards at Oregon State University in the categories of Male and Female Athlete of the Year were announced Thursday by Director of Athletics Bob De Carolis. The Bennys recognize the outstanding achievements of the school's student-athletes and coaches during the 2002-2003 academic year.
The candidates for the Male Athlete of the Year award include Alan Gordon of soccer, Philip Ricci of basketball, and Steven Jackson and Nick Barnett of football. Female Athlete of the Year candidates are Elizabeth Jillson of gymnastics, Naya Higashijima and Birte Steven of swimming, Leilani Estavan of basketball, and Brynnen Guthrie of softball.
Gordon was a first team All-Pac-10 Conference selection after leading the league for points (34) and goals (15), and set an OSU record for shots with 73. Ricci led the Pac-10 for rebounding (8.2 pg), was the team's top scorer (16.5), and was a first team all-league selection. Jackson, a first team all-conference and third team All-American, was the conference's top rusher (1,690 yds). Barnett, a first round draft selection of the Green Bay Packers, shared the Pac-10 lead for tackles (121) and earned first team all-conference.
Jillson was the Pac-10 Conference's co-champion on bars with a perfect 10.0 and earned all-league first team recognition. Higashijima led the team with 31 individual event victories and concluded her career with a school record 107 wins. Steven scored OSU's highest ever finish at the NCAA Championships this season with a sixth place finish in the 200 breaststroke. Estavan was a first team all-conference selection after leading the team for scoring (12.0), assists (143) and minutes played (34.1). Guthrie earned All-American status after leading the team for batting average (.371), hits (72), slugging percentage (.557), and on-base percentage (.436).
The Bennys are scheduled for Wed., June 4 at the Parker Plaza beginning at 5 p.m. with the Training Table Reception. Food, music, and games are featured at the Plaza, plus it's your opportunity to become acquainted with the school's student-athletes, coaches, and administrators. The awards ceremony begins at 7 p.m. at the LaSells Stewart Center with a Fifth Quarter Get-Together (dessert) immediately following.
Tickets are $25 for all three events, or free for the awards ceremony only, but they must be obtained before May 30. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Beaver Athletic Student Fund at (541) 737-2370 or in person at 123 Gill Coliseum.
