Houston Natives, Alex Keller and Sarah Ayers, Selected as Kassen/Lowry Athletes-of-the-Year 2011

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Keller (left), Ayers (right)

GEORGETOWN, TX (06/13/2011)(readMedia)-- Southwestern University announced the 2011 Dr. Tex Kassen and Dr. Carla Lowry Athlete-of-the-Year awards which denote the top male and female athlete at Southwestern for that given school year. Senior men's soccer player Alex Keller (pictured, left) and junior swimmer Sarah Ayers (pictured, right) were chosen among numerous candidates as this year's recipients of the esteemed award.

Keller, a midfielder from Houston, TX, aided the Pirates in one of their best seasons ever in his senior campaign by leading the Pirates in goals, assists and points in 2011. While serving as one of the team captains, Keller started in 18 of the 19 contests he competed in. He scored nine goals, two game winners, and assisted nine times for 27 points. His nine assists was second most in the conference and 27 points put him as the fifth highest point getter in the SCAC. With eight goals scored in conference play, Keller tied for the lead in goals scored in the SCAC during conference action and is the outright leader in assists with seven during conference matches.

For his outstanding play, Keller was the SCAC Player-of-the-Week on September 26th and was an All-SCAC First Team selection as well as NSCAA All-West Region Second Team. He led in every way imaginable as evidenced by his selection to the SCAC All-Sportsmanship Team and SCAC Fall 2010 Student-Athlete Academic Honor Roll.

"Not only was AK one of the most dynamic forwards in the conference, but he was also one of the classiest individuals to compete at any level," says Head Men's Soccer Coach Don Gregory. "He never received a yellow card in his four year career and played the game with such respect and class. His effort was always tremendous and his spirit was unwavering. He consistently contributed with his speed, goal scoring ability, and his long throw-in for numerous assists. It has been a pleasure to coach and watch him play for four years; it is even more of an honor to say that AK made a massive imprint on our program with his friendly personality and outstanding character. I will remember him for being a wonderful human being and great guy!"

The Pirates ended the season in 2nd place in the conference with a 12-7 overall record, 9-2 in the SCAC, which included starting the season 6-0 in conference action.

Ayers, from Houston, TX, exploded in the pool in the 2010-11 season for the Pirates. She was the SCAC Event Champion in the 100 back and earned a NCAA "A" Cut qualification and All-SCAC Team pick. At the NCAA Championships she came in 7th place in the event earning Southwestern's first-ever All-America honors in swimming. Ayers also competed in the 500 free, coming in 48th place, and 100 free, finishing in 44th place at the NCAA Championships.

While serving as the team captain this season Ayers was named SCAC Swimmer-of-the-Week and is the current record holder in the 100 back, 100 fly, and 400 free relay. She was also selected to the CoSIDA Academic All-District team for her outstanding work in the classroom.

"This award truly exhibits Sarah's talents and abilities that have enabled her to achieve success athletically and academically," states Assistant Men's and Women's Swimming Coach Sarah Woodbury. "She is a strong leader and has been a vital part of the team's success this year. I am thrilled that she was chosen for this prestigious award and proud to be her coach!"

Drs. Kassen and Lowry are former Directors of Athletics who were advocates for all student-athletes. They expected excellence from all student-athletes who participated wearing the Southwestern uniform. They had great respect for those who worked hard, were exceptional performers and those that exemplified great sportsmanship.

The two student-athletes will be honored and receive their rewards at their respective sporting events during the 2011-12 school year.