Hulton, Kiplagat Receive Departmental Honors

by: 

Tara Freeman

Jenna Hulton '12 and Steve Kiplagat '12 earned 2009 First-Year Scholar-Athlete Awards.

Feb. 9: The St. Lawrence University Athletic Department has announced that Jenna Hulton '12 and Steve Kiplagat '12 of the cross country and track and field programs are the 2009 Ronald C. Hoffmann First-Year Scholar-Athete Award winners.

"Both Jenna (Hulton) and Steve (Kiplagat) made immediate impacts with their respective programs last year, and we're very proud of their accomplishments," said St. Lawrence Director of Athletics Margie Strait.  "They are both excellent selections for this prestigious award."

It is the second straight year that the track and field and cross country programs have swept the awards, as Dan Ramsey '11 and Jessica Venezia '11 took the honors in 2008.

Hulton was second overall at the 2008 Liberty League Cross Country Championships and was named the conference and state Rookie of the Year in that sport.  She went on to be named the Liberty League Rookie of the Year in Indoor Track and Field as well behind a state title in the 1000 meters.  This fall, Hulton earned her first collegiate All-American honors at the 2009 NCAA Cross Country championships behind a 15^th place showing.

Meanwhile, Kiplagat had a decorated first-year campaign as well, earning Liberty League Rookie of the Year honors in Cross Country and Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field.  The Iten, Kenya native helped the Saints' men's program to the 2008 NCAA Cross Country Championships, where he was the second rookie to cross the finish line.  Kiplagat went on to win the state and conference titles for Outdoor Track in the 1500 meter run.  

The Ronald C. Hoffmann First-Year Scholar-Athlete awards are selected by the St. Lawrence University Athletic Department after matriculated students complete two full semesters of academic and athletic seasons.  Both Hulton and Kiplagat will be recognized at the annual "Student-Athlete Day" Luncheon this spring.