BATON ROUGE — The Cox Communications Academic Center for Student-Athletes honored six LSU student-athletes for their academic achievements and community service for the month of December.
Each month, five student-athletes are recognized for their academic improvement, dedication and proven ability. In addition, one student-athlete will be chosen through the CHAMPS (Challenging Athletes Minds for Personal Success) program for their volunteerism and commitment to the community.
December’s Student-Athletes of the Month are Austin Gutgsell (Men’s Golf), Jordan Jefferson (Football), Ryan Lissner (Men’s Tennis), Matt Vieke (Men’s Diving) and Anissa Young (Softball). Susan Jackson (Gymnastics) was chosen as the Shaquille O’Neal CHAMPS/Life Skills Student-Athlete of the Month.
A freshman golfer from Mandeville, Gutgsell was the top recruit in the state of Louisiana for the Class of 2008 and made his collegiate debut at the Squire Creek Invitational in October. He carded three consecutive rounds of 1-over 73 as the Tigers finished in a first place tie before falling in a playoff.
Jackson, a junior from Spring, Texas, capped an impressive 2008 season by winning the vault individual event finals with a score of 9.8563 at the NCAA Championships last April. She also racked up 2008 All-American honors on the beam, floor and all-around.
A freshman quarterback from St. Rose, Jefferson replaced injured starter Jarrett Lee to connect on 9-of-20 passes for 129 yards and a touchdown against Ole Miss. He followed that up by tossing a pair of scores and rushed for 50 yards in his first career start the following week at Arkansas.
Lissner, a freshman tennis player from Baltimore, Md., looks to bounce back after sitting out the 2008 season due to an injury. He picked up a straight set victory in his final match of the fall season at the UCF Invitational.
A freshman diver from Indianapolis, Ind., Vieke displayed his talents for the Tigers during a 174-124 victory over Alabama in November. In only his second collegiate contest, Vieke registered a NCAA qualifying score with a three-meter score of 321.23.
Young, a freshman infielder from Fontana, Calif., has a bright ahead of her on the Tiger softball team. She was three-time MVP of the Sunkist League and may hold the state’s career home run record as her total from her freshman season is unavailable.
For putting forth extra effort in the classroom and community in addition to their rigorous academic and competition schedules, these six student-athletes will have their pictures displayed on the wall in the CCACSA.