Jan. 27, 2010
(Clarion, Pa.): Clarion University senior All-America swimmer Jamie Maloney (York, Pa./ Dallastown), was honored Wednesday night by the NCAA with the 2009 NCAA Student Athlete "Sportsmanship Award" at Waldo S. Tippin Gymnasium during the halftime of the women's basketball game against Mercyhurst.
Making the presentation on behalf of the NCAA was Penn State Altoona A.D. Fredina Ingold. Also involved in the presentation to Maloney, were her parents Joe and Elaine Maloney of York, Pa., Associate A.D. Wendy Snodgrass, and women's swim coach Mark VanDyke.
Each year the NCAA honors one male and one female student-athlete in each NCAA Division who, through their actions in the competitive arena, have demonstrated one or more of the ideals of sportsmanship. These include fairness, civility, honesty, unselfishness, respect and responsibility.
What did Maloney do to receive this award?
During the 2009 PSAC Women's Swimming Championships (February - 2009), Maloney was in the right place at the right time, for a West Chester female swimmer. Jamie had just finished competing and was standing near the blocks when she noticed that a swimmer from West Chester, Clarion's top conference rival, was in a state of panic. Moments before her heat, the student-athlete realized she had forgotten to bring her goggles with her and didn't have time to return to her equipment bag. Quickly assessing the situation, Maloney simply offered up her own goggles.
"I'd already swum and had everything with me. She just needed a set of goggles so I handed them over," Maloney said. "She swam her event and came back and said thank you over and over again. All I could say was `you're welcome.' "
Clarion coach Mark VanDyke didn't see the exchange but wasn't surprised to hear that it happened. VanDyke said such gestures are typical of Maloney.
"Jamie is the epitome of a true student-athlete," said VanDyke. "She's hard working, disciplined, very focused on her goals and the consummate teammate. She's quiet, humble and unassuming, yet willing to lead her team into battle. Jamie is also an outstanding student who is preparing for her life's work with that same focus and discipline. I wish all student athletes were like Jamie."
Maloney, a senior molecular biology major who is in the process of applying to medical school, said even the smallest gestures can have a major effect on others.
"What I want people to take away from this is to see how big of an impact small things can make on people," she said, "especially when it comes to big meets, moments you may not be a part of, but something they are going through. It means a lot to them, even the smallest of ways, like handing over your goggles. Never overlook that."
"We're extremely proud of Jamie," said Clarion Athletic Director Dave Katis. "Her actions shine a bright light on the entire university, not just the athletic department. We're proud that she's here at Clarion."
CLARION NOTES: Maloney, a senior at Clarion, is a PSAC and Clarion "Scholar Athlete ... In the pool she is a sprint freestyle, breaststroke & IM specialist ... She has earned 2 All-America awards in relays at nationals ... 1 each in 2008 and 2009 ... Clarion's women have been 2nd at PSAC's all three years ... Last year the Eagles were 7th at D-II Nationals ... Maloney, who also runs track and field at Clarion, has been involved in many community activities in her three and a half years at the school including participating in Clarion's canned food drive for the local food bank, Junior Olympics, Special Olympics and various Make-A-Wish fundraisers including the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) that sponsored last Spring's Parents Night Out program... Clarion's women have a long standing D-II Tradition... Clarion has won 8 D-II National Titles in (77, 78, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84 & 86) and 26 PSAC titles. The Golden Eagles were 7th at nationals last year, 8th in 2008, 2007, 11th in 2006, 10th in 2005, 5th in 2004, 10th in 2003, 7th in 2002 and 6th in 2001. Other top 5 Clarion placings recently include 2nd in 1993, 3rd in 1998 and 94, 4th in 2000, 99, 97, 95 and 98 and 5th in 1996, 92 and 91. Coach VanDyke is in his 10th year as head coach and was an assistant for 12 seasons.
