September 27, 2006
Contact: Mike Christie, Sports Information Director

USA South Presents Don Scalf Award
To N.C. Wesleyan's Blake Rice

(Rocky Mount, NC) - The USA South Athletic Conference presented its male Don Scalf award to North Carolina Wesleyan baseball player Blake Rice at halftime of the NCWC/Methodist football game on Saturday, Sept. 23. Each year the USA South presents its most prestigious awards by honoring one male and one female as the Student-Athletes of the Year.  These two athletes receive the Don Scalf Award in honor of this recognition.

Rice, a true student-athlete who excelled in the classroom, on the baseball field and in the community for the Battling Bishops. Academically, Rice posted a 3.617 cumulative grade point average while being named to the 2006 ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District Team for baseball last season.  Rice has been named N.C. Wesleyan Male Student-Athlete of the Year twice and has been named to the President's list five times, to the USA South Academic All-Conference team three times and to the President's Honor list once.  In 2006, Rice was named Third Team All-American, First Team All-Region, USA South Pitcher of the Year, First Team All-Conference and earned South Regional Co-MVP honors. Additionally, Rice volunteered on campus as a tutor and at an area elementary school reading to children.

Joined by many of his family members, Rice enjoyed a luncheon at N.C. Wesleyan's BB&T Room. College President Dr. Ian Newbould, USA South Commissioner Rita Wiggs and Don Scalf each made comments during the meal. At the conclusion of the luncheon, the group headed to the football stadium where Rice officially received his honor at halftime.

Blake Rice (left) and Don Scalf enjoy lunch.	Afternoon luncheon hosted by N.C. Wesleyan in honor of Blake Rice.
N.C. Wesleyan President Dr. Ian Newbould, with USA South Commissioner Rita Wiggs in the foreground, says a few words at the luncheon.	Don Scalf speaks during the luncheon as Don's wife Jo Anne looks on.
Don and Jo Anne Scalf officially present the Don Scalf award to Blake Rice at halftime of NCWC football game.	The Scalf's and Rice are joined by Rice's parents, President Newbould and Commissioner Wiggs on the field.