Glendora, CA (Athletics) -- The Citrus College Athletic Department is pleased to announce that sophomore’s Buchi Awaji and Denise Hernandez have been named the Citrus College male and female Athletes of the Year. Along with their prowess on the playing field, both athletes earned Scholar Baller honors (a Scholar Baller honoree must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA).
Awaji, who played two seasons of men’s basketball for the Fighting Owls, will be continuing his education and athletic career next year at Kansas State University, where he received a full athletic scholarship for the upcoming 2008-2009 season. Awaji also played a pivotal role in Citrus’ first ever Men’s Basketball State Championship this past season.
“Buchi Awaji is the greatest performer in the history of Citrus College Basketball,” Citrus College Head Men’s Basketball Coach Rick Croy said. “Beyond that he is a student, leader, and a man of character.”
Along with his Athlete of the Year honors, Awaji was named the Western State Conference MPV, an All-State honoree, and the State Tournament MVP. Awaji scored over 1,000 career points in his career at Citrus (the first player to do so in the Croy era), and led the team in scoring this season averaging 15.5 points per game, was second on the team with a 4.9 rebound per game average, and did it all while shooting 54.9% from the floor.
While Awaji excelled in basketball, Hernandez was plying her trade on two different fields, the soccer field and the softball field. Hernandez played two seasons of soccer and softball for the Lady Owls. As a softball player Hernandez earned All-Western State Conference honors and helped lead the Lady Owls to their first conference crown during the 2007 season, their first in 14 years.
“Denise is one of the best individuals I have ever coached,” said Citrus College Head Softball Coach Jackie Boxley. “She is everything a student athlete should be and will be successful in whatever she does. Denise is a true competitor and a true champion.”
As a sophomore Hernandez hit .297, scored 17 runs, and recorded 20 RBI’s. While on the soccer team Hernandez played an important part in the programs turnaround. The 2006 and 2007 seasons are the best two year stint of any women’s soccer team in program history. During the 2007 season the Fighting Owls won a program record 15 games, while Hernandez helped anchor a defense that allowed just 25 goals.
“Denise is a quality young lady with a huge future ahead of her.,” said Citrus College Women’s Soccer Head Coach Tim Tracey. “Her contribution to the success of our program is immeasurable. Her future is full of opportunity, and I know she will succeed in any venture she take's on.”