Zandria Rodriguez Honored By Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference

2018 Apr 16

Zandria Rodriguez of Monahans, TX was honored by the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference.

Both the men's and women's swimming teams from McMurry University were recognized by the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) as 2017-18 Winter Sportsmanship Teams in their respective sports. The two War Hawks' programs were among five total honored by the SCAC.

The SCAC Student-Athlete Advisory Committee instituted the award prior to the 2016-17 academic year in an effort to honor the team that best portrays good sportsmanship and fair play from the players and coaches during the season. The winter awards are presented in men's and women's basketball and men's and women's swimming and diving.

McMurry University was recognized in swimming and diving again, capturing both the men's and women's award this year, after sharing the women's honors last year with Southwestern University. Southwestern repeated as the winner of the men's basketball award, while Colorado College did the same on the women's side, sharing the honor with Texas Lutheran this year.

Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference 2017-18 Winter Team Sportsmanship Award
Men's Basketball: Southwestern University
Women's Basketball: Colorado College; Texas Lutheran University
Men's Swimming & Diving: McMurry University
Women's Swimming & Diving: McMurry University

The awards were voted on by each member institution's SAAC, with each individual group ranking the top three teams in each sport. The first place selections were awarded five points, second place earned three points and third place earned one point. Points were then totaled to select the conference's overall winner.

"We are honored to be selected in both Men's and Women's Swimming for the SCAC 2017-18 Winter Team Sportsmanship Awards," first-year McM head coach Casey Pacheco said. "For both our programs to come away with these selections makes us proud of our scholar-athletes and our university.

"McMurry Swimming is surrounded by scholar-athletes at our university who are humble, proud, and leaders in all their respective sports. Our university is proud to have high standards for morals and values in all of our programs. Expectations start from the top and feed throughout all of our programs here at McMurry.

"The Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference is unlike any other I have ever been a part of. The administration, teams, and athletes are all exceptional people to be around. Our conference championship meet is just one example of how much fun we have in our sport. All the teams cheer for each other regardless of school, team colors, or location. It is quite a sight to witness at the NCAA level. To be selected among all the teams in our conference makes us hold our head high and be humbled by this award. We are happy to be representing the SCAC and our sport, as we Develop Champions for Life through swimming here at McMurry.