Oregon Tech President Dr. Chris Maples awards Diploma to Corban's RaeAnna Dorcas
LA GRANDE, Ore. – Many spring sport student athletes in their final year of school and competition are faced with the difficult decision of whether to take part in commencement on their campus or participate in post season athletic competition. Both represent the fulfillment of lifelong dreams in academics and athletics.
For seven student athletes the decision to take part in the Cascade Collegiate Conference Track/Field Championships didn't mean that they would necessarily have to miss out on the pomp and circumstance of their college graduation.
"This is the second consecutitive year we have done this," stated CCC Commisioner Rob Cashell. "It is a wonderful option for our spring sport student athletes and I have been told very meaniful for them to be able to compete, as well as, be recongized for achieving their degree."
The seven competitors took part in a "commencement ceremony" during the CCC championships on Saturday May 9th. The ceremony included Southern Oregon President Dr. Roy Saigo, dressed in his full regalia, bestowing the graduates with their diplomas. It also included a tunnel formed by teammates that the graduates walked through with their families, volunteers, officials and other athletes helping them celebrate.
In addition to the student athletes acknowleged at track and fiel, one senior from Corban, softball player RaeAnna Dorcas was awarded her diploma from Oregon Tech President Dr. Chris Maples at the CCC Softball Championships May 3rd.
2015 T/F Graduates
Northwest Christian University:
Allison Duvenez, from Oak Harbor, Washington has earned her degree in Mathematics. Allison is an eight time recipient of Cascade Conference All-Academic Honors and a two time NAIA Scholar Athlete. She has competed all four years in Cross Country and Track and field earning All-American honors in cross country, as well as the 5000 meter race in 2014. Allison is the NCU record holder in the 400meter sand will be competed in the 800 and 1500 meter races. She is the daughter of John and Diann Duvenez.
Nicholas Lopez is from Hemet, California and has earned her degree in Business Administration with an Accounting Emphasis. Nicholas is the son of Mike and Cheri Lopez and competed in the 1500 meter race.
Northwest University
Meagan Alexandra Governor is from La Center, Washington and has earned her degree, Magna Cum Laude, in Mathematics and Biblical Studies with a minor in Finance and Accounting. Meagan is a 7 time Academic All –Conference winner and a 5 time Daktronics NAIA Scholar Athlete. Meagan was named the CCC Track & Field Red Lion Athlete of the Week in (March 2012 and is a three – time NAIA National Championships Qualifier. The daughter of Daniella Governor and the late James Governor also received the Northwest University Math Student Award for the highest GPA in her degree area. Meagan competedin the 800 meters and the 5 k.
Marissa Flannery is from Auburn, Washington and participated in the 10k. The daughter of Kirk and Kara Flannery received her degree in Intercultural Studies. Marissa has been named Academic All-Conference 5 times and is a 3 time NAIA Daktronics Scholar Athlete.
Warner Pacific College
Kiara Marie McDonagh is graduated with her degree in Biological Sciences. The native of San Francisco California is the daughter of Stephen and Gwen McDonagh. Kiki is a two time place winner in the CCC Heptathlon including a 4
th place finish in the multi-championships two weeks ago. Sher is also a member of the school record 4 x 100 relay team and competed in a number of events including the High Jump, Long Jump, Javelin, 100meters and 100meter Hurdles.
Michael Moreland JR from Portland, Oregon is graduated from Warner Pacific with a degree in Business Administration. The son of Michael Moreland SR and Kimberly Moreland competed in the high jump.
Connor Streed received his degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry and Health along with Dean’s list academic recognition. . A native of Gladstone, Oregon he is the son of Roman Streed and Kathy Holder. Connor was the runner up in the pole vault last year at the CCC Championships, holds the Warner Pacific vault record and will be competed in the pole vault.
2015 Softball Graduate
RaeAnna Dorcas from Corban University received her degree in Business Adminstration. The daughter of John and Gail Dorcas is from Everett, Washington and competes in softball for the Warriors. Her team advanced to the NAIA Championships opening round being played May 11-13.