ST. LOUIS - Michael Ward of Bradley and Sara Rhine of Drake have been selected Missouri Valley Conference Scholar-Athletes of the Week, presented by Enterprise Bank and Trust Company, Commissioner Doug Elgin announced today. The two athletes were honored for their performances during the period of January 22-28.
To qualify for Missouri Valley Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Week laurels, student-athletes must carry a cumulative grade-point average of 3.20, completed at least one academic year at a Valley institution and must be at least a sophomore in academic standing.
Redshirt freshmen and first-year junior college transfers are not eligible. In addition to the academic qualifications, student-athletes are evaluated on their athletic performance during the one-week period.
Michael Ward, Bradley, Jr., Track & Field, Biochemistry, 3.80 GPA
Bradley junior Michael Ward had a record day for the Bradley track team on Saturday, setting the program’s standard in the 3,000-meter run. Ward clocked a time of 7:58.64 at the Washington Invitational, which not only broke the Bradley record by six seconds but also ranks 12th nationally. Overall, Ward is only the second Valley runner this decade to break eight minutes in the 3,000-meters, while his time of 7:58.64 is more than 16 seconds quicker than the next highest runner in the conference this season.
Sara Rhine, Drake, So., Basketball, Elementary Education, 4.00 GPA
Drake sophomore Sara Rhine averaged 15.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 1.0 block while shooting 50.0 percent (9-of-18) from the floor and 80.0 percent (12-of-15) from the free throw line to help Drake earn wins over Illinois State and Bradley. Friday at Illinois State, she scored 16 points, going 5-of-11 from the floor and making 6-of-8 at the free throw line with four rebounds, two blocks and one assist. In Sunday’s victory at Bradley, Rhine finished with 15 points, going 4-of-7 from the floor, with seven rebounds and one assist. This season, Rhine leads the MVC in shooting percentage at 54.9, while averaging 15.6 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. Her scoring average ranks fourth in the league while her rebounding average is fifth.
About Enterprise Bank and Trust Company
Enterprise Bank & Trust was founded nearly 30 years ago on the idea of serving the lifetime financial needs of privately-held businesses, their owner families and other success-minded individuals. That concept for Enterprise Bank & Trust has remained its unwavering and guiding vision. Enterprise Bank and Trust tailors its services to fit the needs of our clients and has all the capabilities of the largest financial companies with the personal relationship orientation of a community bank. Enterprise Bank and Trust offers a comprehensive array of banking, trust and financial advisory services. Member FDIC.