Glendora, CA (Athletics) -- Citrus College sophomores Steven Bennett, Weston Locatell, and Jessica Nieves were named the 2009 Citrus College Athletes of the Year yesterday evening at the 2009 Citrus College Achievement Awards.
Nieves, the Female Athlete of the Year, helped lead the Lady Owls Basketball team to its best record in four years, and their first playoff appearance in that same span. Nieves averaged 12.3 points per game and earned All-WSC Honorable Mention honors for her efforts.
Locatell and Bennett shared the Male Athlete of the Year honors as both individuals had exceptional seasons.
Locatell competed in six different events for the Fighting Owls Swim team at the 2009 CCCAA State Championship, finishing 2nd in the 200 Butterfly. Along with his impressive resume at the State Championships, Locatell was named the 2009 WSC Male Swimmer of the Year, winning all three individual events at the WSC Championships, including a conference record setting performance in the 200 Butterfly.
Bennett helped lead the Fighting Owls Basketball team to yet another 
great season, pushing them to the State Sweet Sixteen and a 28-5 record. Bennett averaged 10.7 points per game and earned 1st team All-WSC honors in the process.
“We are extremely proud of all three of these athletes,” Dean of Physical Education and Athletics Jody Wise said. “We know that they will continue to go on to do great things, and make the Citrus College family proud.”