Springfield, Ohio – Wittenberg University will celebrate National Student-Athlete Day during the Tiger baseball doubleheader against Denison, which starts at noon Sunday, April 6, at Carleton Davidson Stadium.

National Student-Athlete Day was created by the National Consortium for Academics and Sports (NCAS) 27 years ago to “honor the outstanding achievements of student-athletes and the positive role both athletes and sport play in society,” according to the organization’s website. During Wittenberg’s celebration, students are invited to attend the doubleheader and enjoy a slice of pizza and a drink. Between games, Wittenberg student-athletes who have maintained a 3.0 or better grade point average (GPA) during their collegiate career will be introduced by the public address announcer and presented a certificate by a university athletics administrator at home plate.

“We are very proud of the fine work of Wittenberg’s student-athletes, both in the classroom and on the field of play,” said Wittenberg’s Assistant Director of Athletics for External Relations Maigan Larsen. “This is a great opportunity for the university community to celebrate their achievements.”

Nearly 300 active Wittenberg University student-athletes (approximately 55 percent) qualify for the National Student-Athlete Day recognition as they have maintained a GPA of 3.0 or better. These student-athletes are also active on campus and in the Springfield community, in spite of the extensive time commitment required by participation in collegiate athletics. The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) organizes numerous service activities each year, including a fundraiser for the United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots program and training of Special Olympics participants.

Student-athletes also organized a Halloween service event in October 2013 (watch video above).

Wittenberg will host an event with Special Olympics called “Dive into the Tiger Den” on Saturday, April 12, that will offer training and a swimming event in the HPER Center Natatorium. Tiger student-athletes will serve lunch to the Special Olympians and run the entire event, which will culminate in an awards ceremony and a photo opportunity with Wittenberg’s mascot, Ezry the Tiger.

“The student-athlete experience at Wittenberg is special,” said SAAC Social Media Chairperson Heather Schroeder, a member of the Tiger women’s basketball team. “It is an experience that prepares all of us for life after college, and we are thrilled that Wittenberg is taking this opportunity to recognize the hard work of its student-athletes. It should be a fun afternoon at the ball park.”

Written By: Ryan Maurer