UH gives Bonham Award to 2 athletes
Advertiser Staff
Basketball's Michael Kuebler and volleyball's Melissa Villaroman were honored for their ability to combine style and substance yesterday, winning the University of Hawai'i's Jack Bonham Award.
The award, named after the assistant athletic director who died in 1974, is the most prestigious given by the athletic department. It recognizes the top male and female athletes, based on athletic excellence, academic achievement, public service, leadership and character.
Kuebler
The awards were announced at the annual Scholar-Athlete Breakfast at Stan Sheriff Center. Kuebler and Villaroman didn't know they had won until they showed up and learned they had to make a speech.
"I didn't know what to say," Villaroman admitted, "except thanks for giving me the inspiration."
Kuebler, a guard from Salem, Ore., has a 3.67 grade point average as a business marketing major. He is the first UH men's basketball player to earn first-team honors as a CoSIDA Academic All-American.
The all-Western Athletic Conference selection helped the Rainbows reach the NIT quarterfinals, averaging 18 points and setting a school single-season record by making 97 3-point shots.
"This whole year has been pretty amazing," said Kuebler. "This is just like the frosting. Pretty unbelievable."
Villaroman, from Carson, Calif., called the honor "kinda awesome."
"They have a list of names of past winners in the locker room," the Rainbow Wahine's 2003 captain said. "It's exciting to know my name will be up there for a long time."
Villaroman has been the 'Bows' starting libero since the position was introduced two years ago. She played in three final fours. Her 3.4 GPA comes with a double major in marketing and management.
A two-time second-team All-WAC selection, Villaroman often volunteers at camps and clinics in addition to serving as an assistant coach with Impact Volleyball Club.
Kuebler and Villaroman both plan to graduate next fall. Kuebler is keeping his playing and working options open. Villaroman wants to get her real estate license this summer. She will assist the volleyball team in the fall and also hopes to work in marketing.
Villaroman is the first Rainbow Wahine volleyball player to win the award since Angelica Ljungquist in 1997, and seventh overall. Kuebler is the third men's basketball player in the last four years to win it, and fourth overall.
"We've got a good streak going," Kuebler said. "Guys have been hitting the books and playing hard."
