Rebekah New and Micah Swartz are the 2018-19 Ohio Community College Athletic Conference’s Scholar-Athletes of the Year. New competes for the Edison State women’s basketball program while Swartz runs cross country at Lorain County. Swartz is now a back-to-back winner of this award, earning the honor in 2017-18 as well.
The annual OCCAC Scholar-Athlete of the Year award is voted on by a conference committee which weighs academic success (50%), community service (25%) and athletic achievements (25%) in determining the recipients.
REBEKAH NEW | OCCAC FEMALE SCHOLAR-ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
New carried a 4.0 GPA for the year while playing in 29 games for the Chargers. Edison State posted a 25-6 overall record with New scoring over 100 points and hauling in 78 rebounds. Off the court, she assists children in a Bible study program at Grace Baptist Church.
MICAH SWARTZ | OCCAC MALE SCHOLAR-ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Swartz was a member of the NJCAA Cross Country Coaches Association All-Academic Scholar Team in the classroom and an NJCAA All-American on the course. He placed ninth individually at the national championships and 2nd in the D-III Region 12 event (earned him All-Region 12 Team honors). Lorain County named him the 2018-19 Jack Zagrans Award winner as well, presented to the male athlete who best exhibits sportsmanship, athletic ability and academic success. Out in the community, Swartz volunteers his time at the LCCC Youth Running Camp, LCCC-sponsored road races, church outreach programs and as math tutor for fellow LCCC students.