By By SCOTT NOVAK / Dowagiac Daily News
Senior Andrew Cuthbert became Dowagiac's first Michigan High School Athletic Association Scholar-Athlete Award program winner today.
The MHSAA released the names of the 10 winners for Class B this morning.
Joining Cuthbert as winners were Allison M. Assalyn, Grand Rapids Forest Hills Eastern; Adam DeWolf, Marshall; Alexandria N. Henry, Alma; Tyler J. McCoy, Tawas City; Katelyn E. Priesel, Imlay City; Shane Sinda, Capac; Ashley A. Theobald, Kingsford; and Jason Thompson, Ludington.
The recipients of the Scholar-Athlete Award receive a $1,000 scholarship, which is underwritten by Farm Bureau Insurance, now in its 18th year of sponsoring the scholarship program.
Applicants for the award must have had at least a 3.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale and have previously earned at least one varsity letter. Applicants must also have shown to be active in other school and community activities, and write a 500-word essay on the importance of sportsmanship in educational athletics.
Cuthbert had no trouble covering the requirements.
He is at the top of his class with a 4.0 grade point average. He has earned four letters in cross country, three each in tennis and soccer and two in basketball. He earned Academic All-State honors in soccer this past year and was voted team captain for soccer, tennis and basketball.
Cuthbert was inducted into the NHS as a junior and is currently the president. He is vice president of the Humanities Club, in which he has been active all four years of high school. He has also been active in student senate. He is a worship leader at Sister Lakes Community Church.
"I am really excited about it since nobody in Dowagiac has ever won it," Cuthbert, who is the son of the Rev. Doug and Marilyn Cuthbert, said. "Plus, it gives me an excuse to go to the state basketball finals. Maybe I can be there for another reason."
Cuthbert hopes to help the Dowagiac varsity basketball team, currently 12-3 on the season and in first place in the Wolverine Conference, reach the state finals in East Lansing.
Recipients of the Scholar-Athlete Award will be honored at halftime of the MHSAA Class C Boys Basketball Championship game at the Breslin Center on March 24.
Class B high schools were able to submit up to eight applications. The Dowagiac Athletic Office contacted potential candidates to let them know about the opportunity.
Cuthbert wasn't sure about his essay when he sent in his application.
"I usually end up going over by a couple 100 words and then I have to trim it down," he said. "I didn't feel all that great about it, but I guess it turned out alright."
Here is a small portion of that essay:
"Reputable sportsmen educate people on how to live and play in the correct way. From simply clapping when an injured player gets up, to helping an opposing player who is down, to even ignoring a bad-mouthing rival, there are many different marks of a good sportsman."
Cuthbert has drawn nothing but rave reviews from his coaches and Dowagiac Union High School Principal Paul Hartsig, who noted that he, is not only a good athlete, but also an outstanding individual.
"If you are looking for a true definition of a student-athlete, he is it," Dowagiac basketball coach Greg Blomgren said. "He is involved in sports and other co-curricular activities, but still has maintained a 4.0 grade point average. It's tough to find that balance between athletics and academics, but he has done it. He's just an all-around great kid."
Dowagiac track coach Ken Jordan added, "This is quite an honor for Andrew, his family and Dowagiac. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with Andrew over the last four years. He is very deserving of this award."
"Andrew is a fantastic student who is held in high regard by his teachers, peers and coaches," Hartsig noted. "His hard work along with his commitment to the task at hand has served him very well in the classroom and on the court."
Dowagiac Athletic Director Greg Younger said that Cuthbert would be honored Monday night at the school board meeting.
"I think it is a great honor for Andrew and the Dowagiac schools," Young said. "This is the first time any of our student-athletes have advanced this far. It couldn't have happened to a nicer young man."
Cuthbert has not decided between Taylor University or Indiana Wesleyan where he will study sports management or worship directing. His sister Alyssa currently attends Indiana Wesleyan.