Kalamazoo Valley Community College

Athletic News Release

June 18, 2008

The 2008 recipients of the prestigious Dale B. Lake Presidential Award have been named.  This award is a yearly endeavor that honors KVCC’s founding President, Dale B. Lake, by giving annual recognition to outstanding student-athletes at KVCC.  Exceptional academic achievement, outstanding athletic contribution, and evidence of uncommon leadership and character are among the criteria for this award. 

This year the lady recipient is Mary Schering.  The male recipient is Eric Beebe.

Schering is a 2006 graduate of Kalamazoo Christian High School.  She has achieved a 3.84 grade point average while passing 65 credit hours and earning an Associate’s Degree from KVCC.  Mary plans to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree with a major in Organizational Communications at Western Michigan University.  She is also on the waiting list to be admitted to the Dental Hygiene program at KVCC. 

As a freshman tennis player, Mary was the Region XII third flight singles champion and also the third flight doubles champion.  At the 2007 NJCAA Nationals, Mary won her first round singles match, and along with her doubles partner Morgan Mericle, advanced to the quarterfinal round.  She was a significant contributor to the 14^th place tie that KVCC achieved in the Nationals.

As a sophomore, in Regional action Mary was the second flight singles champion and the first flight doubles runner-up with her partner, Michelle King.  At the 2008 NJCAA Nationals, Mary was seeded 8^th in singles and won her second round match before losing to the second seeded player.  Mary and Michelle won a second round, first flight doubles consolation match before losing to the eventual consolation champions in the 3^rd round.  Mary again played a significant role in KVCC’s 12^th place finish. 

“Without a doubt, Mary Schering has been good for KVCC and KVCC has been good for Mary,” remarked Coach Jim VanZandt.  “She truly has been an outstanding student-athlete.  Her academic and athletic achievements make her most deserving of this award.”

Eric Beebe is the 2008 male recipient of the DBL Award. 

Eric is a 2006 graduate of Paw Paw High School.  He achieved a remarkable 25-2 pitching record while at PPHS.  As a Cougar he was 2-2 with 4 saves in his career.  Highlights this year were a 7-0 shutout versus Lake Michigan and a save in the first round regional, 4-3, nail-biter against Toledo Owens.

“The most outstanding feature of his pitching is his cool demeanor and approach to the game,” remarked Coach Bernie Vallier.  “You cannot tell if he is ahead or behind when he pitches.  He is a cool customer with a variety of pitches, including a ‘bread-and-butter’ slider.  I could not be prouder of any other athlete than I am of Eric and his accomplishments.”

Beebe is majoring in Mechanical trades with an emphasis on electronics.  He has earned a 3.53 GPA while at KVCC.  He is being recruited by Olivet College but has not decided where he will continue his education.

“These two young people cap another great year for Cougar Athletics.  Mary and Eric represent the best in college athletics, and we join in with friends and family in congratulating them and wishing them continued successes,” praised Athletic Director Dick Shilts.

Each recipient will be presented with a plaque signifying this honor, and their names will be engraved on a large plaque revealing the names of previous winners.  The plaque is currently on display in the KVCC athletic office.