Lamb and VanMarter Honored as Senior Scholar Athletes
Houghton College’s
Alexis Lamb and St. John Fisher College’s
Mark VanMarter have been named the 2017-18 Empire 8 Senior Scholar-Athlete Award winners, based on a vote by the conference faculty athletic representatives (FARs). The award honors one male and one female student-athlete who best exemplify what it means to be a dedicated scholar and athlete over the course of their collegiate careers.
Lamb is the first female recipient from Houghton to earn this distinction, while VanMarter is the third Fisher male honoree.
“It was another tough year to pick just one male and female winner - we have to choose from some of the most talented student-athletes in a very talented conference,” stated Empire 8 FAR Chair and Utica College FAR Adam Pack. “Our winners this year represent the Empire 8 ideal in terms of balance of academics and athletic achievements, and have proven themselves leaders on and off the field.”
Lamb graduated in December 2017 with a degree in English and writing. She also minored in psychology and earned a 3.791 cumulative GPA and was seen on Houghton's Dean's List three times and the Dean's Honor List four times. Lamb was named to the Empire 8 President’s List four times and was a two-time NCCAA (National Christian College Athletic Assoc.) All-America Scholar-Athlete.
“Bright, diligent, and highly personable, Alexis consistently performed well both inside class and out,” stated Dr. Laurie Dashnau of the Houghton College Department of English and Writing. “Lexi showed that she always thought through her coursework options wisely, intentionally choosing classes that would be challenging and that would expand her horizons academically and personally.”
On the soccer field, Lamb earned NCCAA All-American, first team NCCAA All-Region, and All-Empire 8 honors four times throughout her career. In 2016, she was named NCCAA Region Defensive Player of the Year and NCAA DIII All-East Region Second Team. She played in three NCCAA National Tournaments and received two All-Tournament selections at the NCCAA National Tournament.
“During my 27 years of collegiate coaching, Alexis Lamb is among the hardest working student-athletes I have encountered,” said Head Women’s Soccer Coach David Lewis. “She is dedicated to personal off-season training and each year enters the season well-prepared. She is a quiet leader in her team captain role but a quality person of integrity.”
VanMarter has shined as a track and field athlete and in the classroom, accumulating a 3.51 grade point average as a Biology major with a minor in Chemistry. He is an Emprie 8 President’s List honoree, a three time Dean’s List scholar and a two-time NCAA All-Academic in track and field.
Fisher Assistant Professor Fernando Ontiveros said, “Mark demonstrates a commitment to his studies and displayes a friendly demeanor. I was impressed with his independence and ability to carry out and troubleshoot experiments.”
VanMarter is a seven-time Empire 8 All-Conference First Team honoree and has been named the Indoor Field Athlete of the Meet four times and the Outdoor Field Athlete of the Meet three times. He was voted the 2015 Outdoor E8 Rookie of the Year and most recently was voted the 2018 Indoor E8 Field Athelte of the Year.
“Mark instantly emerged as an athlete who was focused not only on self- improvement but also on the success of the team as a whole,” said Fisher Head Track and Field Coach Mike Henchen. “His commitment to his teammates while achieving great success academically served as a positive catalyst for the entire team.”
VanMarter has won 11 individual events at the Empire 8 Championships over the last four years and has helped lead the men’s track and field team to the E8 Indoor Team Title in 2015 and 2018 and the Outdoor Team Title in 2015.
His impressive drive and attention to detail has led Mark to qualifying for seven NCAA Division III National Championships. A two time All American, this past March, Mark became only the second St. John Fisher athlete to win a National Championship by winning the 2018 NCAA Division III National Championship Long Jump. He currently has the top national performance in the event for the 2018 outdoor season.
“Alexis and Mark are the embodiment of today’s student-athlete,” said Empire 8 Commissioner Chuck Mitrano. “They excel in the classroom and on the playing surface. We are proud to name them as recipients of our highest honor and wish them continued success.”
Male Nominees
Alexander Licata, Alfred
James Fritsche, Elmira
John Talbot, Hartwick
Bjorn Webb, Houghton
Mark VanMarter, St. John Fisher
Quinn DiPasquale, Stevens
Female Nominees
Aubrey Torslie, Alfred
Sarah McCaffrey, Elmira
Allie Ricci, Hartwick
Alexis Lamb, Houghton
Alexa Silk Sage
Anna Marcy, St. John Fisher
Sydni Horner, Stevens