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 March.
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.
March’s Student-Athletes of the Month are Drayton Calhoun (Football), Sidell Corley (Football), Liann Kellman (Women’s Track & Field), Taylor Turnbow (Women’s Basketball) and Michael Venus (Men’s Tennis). Chris McGhee (Baseball) was chosen as the Shaquille O’Neal CHAMPS/Life Skills Student-Athlete of the Month.
McGhee is majoring in mass communications, while Venus is a general studies major. Corley and Kellman are majoring in sport administration. Allen-Calhoun and Turnbow are members of the University College Center for Freshman Year (UCFY). The UCFY is an academic unit to help freshmen define their academic and career goals.
A freshman running back from Clarkston, Ga., Calhoun enrolled at LSU in January and will participate in spring practice. He was a SuperPrep All-American and a member of the ESPN U Top 150 that helped lead Tucker High School to a 2008 4A state championship. Calhoun rushed for 1,211 yards and 12 touchdowns as a senior.
Corley, a sophomore defensive end from Mobile, Ala., saw action against North Texas and Tulane last season. He recorded a pair of tackles, including an assist in a tackle for a loss against the Green Wave. Corley had a standout high school career and was rated among the top-three overall players in the state of Alabama.
A sophomore sprinter from St. Thomas, Barbados, Kellman transferred to LSU from Central Arizona Junior College in January. She was a two-time Junior College All-American after finishing as the national runner-up in both the 100 meters and 200 meters at the 2008 National Junior College Athletic Association Outdoor Track and Field Championships.
McGhee, a senior infielder from Alexandria, La., was a member of the 2006 SEC Freshman Academic Honor Roll. He is hitting .308 in seven appearances this season for the consensus No. 1 LSU baseball team. McGhee started at designated hitter against New Orleans Tuesday and capped a six-run, first inning with a RBI-single. He participated in Real Men Read event at Lanier Elementary on February 9.
A freshman forward from Stone Mountain, Ga., Turnbow and the Lady Tigers enter the SEC Tournament winners of five straight. She has tallied seven or more points five times over her 22 appearances, including a career-best 10 points off the bench in a win at South Carolina. Turnbow also ranks second among freshman and 12th in the SEC with 1.1 blocks per game.
Venus, a senior from Orlando, Fla., is currently ranked No. 9 in singles and No. 13 in doubles with Neal Skupski by the ITA. The pair has won eight of its 10 doubles decisions, including a pair of Top 10 triumphs over teams from Texas Tech and Tulsa. Venus is 12-5 in singles action and has racked up four wins against Top 25 opponents.
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.