Howson Honored with OVC Scholar-Athlete Award

OVC Release

Murray State University senior women's golfer Delaney Howson has been honored as one of six recipients of the prestigious Ohio Valley Conference Scholar-Athlete Award for 2012-13. The OVC made the announcement from its office in Brentwood, Tenn.

Howson is one of six selected recipients - three men and three women - determined by a vote of OVC Faculty Athletics Representatives. Candidates must have performed athletically with distinction, earned at least a 3.25 GPA and conducted themselves in a manner which has brought credit to the student-athlete, his or her institution, intercollegiate athletics and the OVC. The award is based on academic and athletic criteria/accomplishments achieved during the 2012-13 school year.

Howson is the 35^th Racer to earn the honor. She is also the 16^th female athlete and the first women's golfer to achieve the distinction. The last female student-athlete from Murray State to earn the award was Amber Guffey (women's basketball) in 2008-09. Last year fellow golfer Hunter York was one of the male recipients of the award. Howson also marks the third year in a row that a Racer has earned the honor (York 2011-12, Paul Ritzheimer 2010-11).

"I am honored to receive this award," said Howson, a native of Newmarket, Ontario. "Golf and my education have both meant a lot to me at Murray State. To be recognized for both means a great deal to me. I'm very thankful for all the help I've received from my coaches, the athletic department, and my teachers who have helped me excel in both areas."

"I am very happy for Delaney," said MSU Head Coach Velvet Milkman. "Being named a Scholar Athlete is the highest recognition a student athlete can receive from the Ohio Valley Conference. It emphasizes excellence both on the field of play and in the classroom. Delaney has worked very hard to be successful in both these areas and it is nice to see her honored for her achievements. Delaney is one of the most decorated golfers in Murray State's history and she has maintained a 4.0 GPA. She is the epitome of a student athlete and is well deserving of this award."

Howson's freshman year was very successful after placing eighth at the OVC Championships. She was honored as the OVC Freshman of the Year and earned OVC First Team honors. Howson also became the first MSU player in the program's 18 year history to qualify for the USGA United States Amateur.

During her sophomore year, Howson was ranked second in the leauge in scoring with a 75.4 average in 29 rounds. At the end of the year she earned First Team All-OVC honors and placed third at the OVC Championships.

The success continued for Howson as her junior year produced just as impressive results. She had two medalists wins, five top-5 finishes and eight top-10 finishes ranked second in scoring in the OVC with an average of 76.1 in 28 rounds. Howson once again earned top OVC honors and placed in fifth at the OVC Championships.

Howson also earned a Capital One Academic All-District honor, a first for the program, and placed fourth at the 97^th Ontario Women's Amateur.

Her senior year looks as promising already with two medalist win and Howson broken the school record for lowest round twice this fall with scores of 67 and 66.

Howson is very involved on campus as a member of the business fraternity Beta Gamma Sigma and the National Collegiate Athlete Honor Society Chi Alpha Sigma. A finance major, Delaney is an active member of the Student Athlete Advisory Council. Upon graduating in the spring, Howson plans on pursuing an internship in finance.

Murray State University Athletics

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