ADRIAN, Mich. - The Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) selected Siena Heights' senior Erin Scheidel as its Dr. Leroy Walker Champions of Character Award nominee. The award, named after United States Olympic Committee President Emeritus Dr. Walker, a former president of the NAIA, recognizes a student-athlete who excels academically, athletically and embraces the core values of Champions of Character. Stewart, along with winners from other NAIA conferences, now advances for national consideration. Scheidel is the second from Siena Heights to receive the honor after Brianna Chrenko received it for the 2009-10 season.
Set to graduate this December with a degree in Language Arts (minor in Planned Elementary), Scheidel maintains a 4.0 GPA while staying involved with athletics and the community. It's a philosophy that had developed into a passion for servant leadership. Energetic, positive, empathetic, humble - all of these words have been used to describe Scheidel. Student, friend, teammate, leader, role model - these also fit. But, perhaps the most fitting word to describe her is servant.
"It isn't about I or WE, it's about THEM," said Scheidel.
It's something she holds true no matter no matter the situation. As a team captain, the THEM was her team and her coaches. "I didn't break records or score game-winning goals," she said. "I did what I could to make my teammates better - to be a servant leader."
As a student at Siena Heights, the THEM was the university as she was a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and participated in SHU's Carmine Clean-Up Day and Family Math Night.
As a resident of Adrian for the last four years, the THEM was Scheidel's community. She volunteers for Habitat for Humanity, the Boys and Girls Club of Lenawee County, and spends nights at a homeless shelter.
"Erin's contagious spirit makes the people around her better," said SHU head women's soccer coach Scott Oliver. "She pushes those around her to reach their potential and continually gives back."
Scheidel will now be submitted to the NAIA in consideration for the national award chosen from conference representatives throughout the association.
(Story courtesy of WHAC.net)
