Syracuse, N.Y. – Student-athletes Melissa Bakowski and Darren Pikul of Onondaga Community College have been named recipients of the 2016 SUNY Chancellor's Scholar Athlete Award. All candidates for the award must achieve a high level of success both in the classroom and in intercollegiate athletic competition. Winners are selected by a panel of athletic directors from across the SUNY system as well as the Provost's office.
Bakowski, a sophomore from West Genesee High School in Camillus, NY is majoring in math and science and qualified for the President's list (3.7 – 4.0) in the fall 2015 semester. A forward on the women's basketball team, Bakowski was named to the 2015-16 NJCAA Division III Women's Basketball All-American First Team. She was also tabbed as the 2015-16 Region III Women's Basketball Player of the Year, All-Region first team, and All-MSAC Player of the Year and led the Lazers to a 30-4 record and to the 2015-2016 NJCAA Region III Championship game. Bakowski led the Lazers in scoring at 16.3 points per game, rebounds with 9 a contest, total points (293), blocks (45), minutes per game at 21.4, field-goals (106), field-goal percentage (.527) and free throws made with 81. Bakowski added 44 steals and 26 assists on the season.
Pikul, a sophomore from Highland High School in Highland, NY is majoring in business with minors in honors, information technology and communications. Last year Pikul was selected as First Team All-Region for third singles and was the NJCAA Region III third singles champion. He also received the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Scholar-Athlete Award. Pikul's credentials don't stop there as he is the Vice-President of Entertainment and Programming for the Office of Student Leadership and Engagement, a member of the international honor society Phi Theta Kappa and a Resident Advisor.
"We are tremendously proud of Melissa and Darren for being named recipients of the 2016 SUNY Chancellor's Scholar Athletic Awards," said Director of Athletics Michael Borsz. "Their dedication and hard work have allowed both to achieve outstanding academic excellence and exceptional athletic achievement. We congratulate Melissa and Darren on this monumental feat and look forward to seeing their future accomplishments."
