Curtis Griffin, a men's soccer player from William Jessup University with a 3.915 GPA, and Deborah Bekowies, a volleyball player from Menlo College with a 3.952 GPA, are the inaugural California Pacific Conference Scholar Athletes of the Year as selected by the conference's executive committee.

"All the student-athletes nominated embody the highest ideals of the Cal Pac," said Commissioner Don Ott. "Curtis and Deborah are outstanding athletes, but their academic prowess is beyond impressive as well. When you add in their community service and volunteer efforts, you see the essence of true Champions of Character. I'm left with the sense that the world's future is in good hands. They are an inspiration and are to be congratulated."

Curtis Griffin, a native of Tracy, California, is an all-conference soccer first-teamer for the Warriors, posted seven goals for WJU in 2009. An NAIA soccer scholar-athlete, the youth ministry major also volunteers with the high school program at Adventure Christian Church. Along with playing multiple instruments in the worship band, he serves as a youth mentor and small group leader.

Deborah Bekowies, from Benicia, California, was a four-time first-team all-conference and was twice named Cal Pac Player of the Year. Twice selected as both an NAIA Scholar-Athlete and honorable mention All-American, she is first in the Oaks' record books in career kills, total blocks and assists and led the team to four consecutive conference championships. The business major was president of Menlo's Delta Mu Delta honor society, and logged over 100 hours of community service during her senior year working on Haiti Relief, First Baptist Church in Benicia, Second Harvest Food Bank and Cans Across America Can Food Drive.

The criteria for receiving a nomination for this prestigious honor are that the athlete is to have completed their athletic eligibility, accomplish excellence in the classroom, participate in and exhibit the five core values of the NAIA Champions of Character, be a significant contributor to his/her team, and is involved in the community and on their campuses.

2009-10 SCHOLAR-ATHLETE NOMINEES

Male: Mustafa Celik, Holy Names, Soccer; Curtis Griffin, William Jessup, Soccer; Tim Kees, Menlo, Basketball; Nate King, Simpson, Basketball