May 16, 2002
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Three Santa Clara University students received the Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar Award. Sophomore Michael Duong from men's tennis earned first-team recognition while sophomore teammate Erich Chen, along with junior softball player Roni Rivera, were named to the second-team.
The Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Award is given to minority students who excel both academically as well as athletically. Duong and Chen were two of 23 that were selected to represent men's tennis, while Rivera was one of 30 on behalf of softball. Black Issues In Higher Education sponsors the award annually.
Duong maintains a 4.0 grade point average in his pursuit of a business degree, while dedicating numerous hours to his passion for tennis. He concluded this past season posting a 16-15 singles record while seeing most of his time in the number two slot. In the fall, Duong made great strides in his game as he advanced to the quarterfinals at Bulldog Classic and at the Tiger Fall Invitational.
Chen broke new ground this past season as he tied fellow teammate Chris Lam in the second notch for most singles victories in a season with 25. He also received all-conference honors while earning a 7-3 conference record. Chen is pursuing a degree in computer engineering while keeping a 3.29 grade point average.
Duong and Chen were a driving force behind the Broncos' 18-8 record, as the team vaulted into the national spotlight with the program's highest listing from the ITA.
As co-captain of the softball team, Rivera is a leader both on and off the field. While wearing her uniform, Rivera leads her fellow teammates from behind the plate. She was a major contributing factor to the Broncos 25-38 season, the most wins in a season since the 1986 record of 26.
Her positive attitude and involvement in the school community has earned her additional recognition as she will be the lone representative of Santa Clara at the 2002 NCAA Foundation Leadership Conference. She is one of 300 students from across the nation that was selected and one of 13 softball players chosen.
Despite her busy schedule, Rivera has managed a 3.41 grade point average while pursuing a history major.
