Ahrenholz Named SEC Community Service Leader of the Year
Wednesday, May 1, 2019 | Track and Field
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Florida middle-distance runner Sam Ahrenholz was named the men's winner of the 2018-19 Brad Davis Southeastern Conference Community Service Leader of the Year, as announced by Commissioner Greg Sankey and the league office Wednesday morning.
Ahrenholz, a senior, joins Grace McLaughlin (2018 – gymnastics), Patric Young (2014 – men's basketball), Stacey Stevens (2007 – softball), and Gabby Fuchs (2001 – gymnastics) as the only Gators to receive the honor since it was first awarded in 1996.
According to the conference's release, a committee of Faculty Athletics Representatives from SEC universities chose Ahrenholz, along with Auburn equestrian rider Megan Rauh, for the awards. Each will receive a $10,000 post-graduate scholarship, provided by the SEC.
"Megan and Sam have made a commitment to making their world a better place with a dedication to service in their communities," said Sankey. "Megan and Sam reflect a devotion to a well-rounded college experience that is typical of student-athletes across the SEC and they represent all that can be achieved by the young people in our Conference. I congratulate them, their families and the universities they represent on this prestigious recognition."
Ahrenholz participated in a vast number of projects and completed a total of 580 community service hours since 2014. Some of those projects include mentoring at Newberry Christian Community School, volunteering at The Salt Church, North Florida Regional Medical Center, and Climb For Cancer Sports Camp, and serving as president of Salt Company Organization – a campus ministry at the University of Florida.
"(Florida track and field Head) Coach (Mike) Holloway, (former volunteer assistant) Coach Holland (Sherrer), and Coach Homewood – my high school coach – these men day in and day out model how to walk in integrity and maximize the blessings we have been given," Ahrenholz said. "These men also taught me the influence one can have in another's life as they significantly influenced mine.
"The influence of my coaches' words, as well as the words of my four supportive parents and eight grandparents showed me anyone can positively impact other people. I serve because I am trying to maximize the gifts I have been blessed with, and I hope my life will positively impact others, just as my coaches and family have influenced me."
The Cedar Falls, Iowa native has also been successful in the classroom, making the Dean's List five times since fall of 2016 and garnering a U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association All-Academic Individual honor.
The SEC Community Service Post-Graduate Scholarship is named for former Associate Commissioner Brad Davis. Davis succumbed to cancer on March 2, 2006. He had been a member of the SEC staff since 1988, first serving as an assistant commissioner until 1994 when he was promoted to associate commissioner.
Ahrenholz and the Gators compete at the SEC Outdoor Championships next Thursday through Saturday.
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Ahrenholz, a senior, joins Grace McLaughlin (2018 – gymnastics), Patric Young (2014 – men's basketball), Stacey Stevens (2007 – softball), and Gabby Fuchs (2001 – gymnastics) as the only Gators to receive the honor since it was first awarded in 1996.
According to the conference's release, a committee of Faculty Athletics Representatives from SEC universities chose Ahrenholz, along with Auburn equestrian rider Megan Rauh, for the awards. Each will receive a $10,000 post-graduate scholarship, provided by the SEC.
"Megan and Sam have made a commitment to making their world a better place with a dedication to service in their communities," said Sankey. "Megan and Sam reflect a devotion to a well-rounded college experience that is typical of student-athletes across the SEC and they represent all that can be achieved by the young people in our Conference. I congratulate them, their families and the universities they represent on this prestigious recognition."
Ahrenholz participated in a vast number of projects and completed a total of 580 community service hours since 2014. Some of those projects include mentoring at Newberry Christian Community School, volunteering at The Salt Church, North Florida Regional Medical Center, and Climb For Cancer Sports Camp, and serving as president of Salt Company Organization – a campus ministry at the University of Florida.
"(Florida track and field Head) Coach (Mike) Holloway, (former volunteer assistant) Coach Holland (Sherrer), and Coach Homewood – my high school coach – these men day in and day out model how to walk in integrity and maximize the blessings we have been given," Ahrenholz said. "These men also taught me the influence one can have in another's life as they significantly influenced mine.
"The influence of my coaches' words, as well as the words of my four supportive parents and eight grandparents showed me anyone can positively impact other people. I serve because I am trying to maximize the gifts I have been blessed with, and I hope my life will positively impact others, just as my coaches and family have influenced me."
Lifelong #Gators fan in Cedar Falls
— Gators Track and Field & Cross Country (@GatorsTF) April 13, 2019
⬇️
Iowa State club runner
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2-time #SECTF scorer
"I told all my friends in high school and junior high, even elementary school, I was going to be an athlete here. For that dream to become a reality, I'm just so grateful." -@samahrenholz15 pic.twitter.com/wb6vAt7Wbi
The Cedar Falls, Iowa native has also been successful in the classroom, making the Dean's List five times since fall of 2016 and garnering a U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association All-Academic Individual honor.
The SEC Community Service Post-Graduate Scholarship is named for former Associate Commissioner Brad Davis. Davis succumbed to cancer on March 2, 2006. He had been a member of the SEC staff since 1988, first serving as an assistant commissioner until 1994 when he was promoted to associate commissioner.
Ahrenholz and the Gators compete at the SEC Outdoor Championships next Thursday through Saturday.
FOLLOW THE GATORS
SOCIAL: Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram
JOIN THE CONVERSATION: #GoGators; #PushTheButton; #TheMissionContinues; #WeBelieve; #LessSaid
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