Erik Hanson Named Scholar-Athlete of the Year

Erik Hanson, a men's basketball player from the California Maritime Academy who helped lead the Keelhaulers to the best season in conference history, was selected as the California Pacific Conference Men's Scholar-Athlete of the Year by the conference's executive committee. The award is the highest honor presented to a student-athlete in the Cal Pac.

"Each year when the conference leadership chooses the top male and female scholar-athlete, I'm personally inspired by the quality of every one the candidates," said Commissioner Don Ott. "These are individuals who have achieved at such a high level that I'm astounded by what they were able to accomplish. Eric is one of the best examples the Cal Pac has had of a servant-leader, one who loves his sport, and who vitally impacted his institution and community."

Hanson, a native of Santa Rosa, Calif., earned national recognition as he was named to the Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete team this season with a 3.83 GPA in Mechanical Engineering. Erik also earned First Team All-Conference honors this year and helped the Keelhaulers to a 52-13 overall record during his two years including two conference championships. He was named Cal Maritime's "Champion of Character" award recipient at the 2014 NAIA National Tournament and has been a perennial fixture on the President's honor list.

In the community, Erik participated in the basketball program's literacy program with Grace Patterson Elementary School in Vallejo.

Cal Maritime's head basketball coach Bryan Rooney said, "We are extremely proud of Erik and his accomplishments. Erik had an outstanding year on the basketball floor but more importantly his daily example demonstrated excellence in the classroom and in the community. His passion to succeed is an inspiration to our entire program."

To be nominated for this prestigious honor, a Cal Pac student-athlete must have completed their athletic eligibility while making a significant contribution to their team, accomplish excellence in the classroom, participate in and exhibit the five core values of the NAIA Champions of Character, and be involved in the community and on their campus.

Erik's selection also marks the second consecutive year that the winner has come from Cal Maritime. Hamilton Chang, who was also a men's basketball student-athlete, received the award for the 2012-13 academic year.

2013-14 MEN'S SCHOLAR-ATHLETE NOMINEES

Kenneth Henry (La Sierra)

Nick Madalena (Simpson)

Bryce Nelson (Menlo)

Aaron Perry (Soka University of America)

Wayne Smith (William Jessup)

PAST RECIPIENTS

2012-2013 Hamilton Chang, Cal Maritime Academy

2011-2012 Chadd Baltzley, William Jessup

2010-2011 Aren Rennacker, Pacific Union

2009-2010 Curtis Griffin, William Jessup