KEVIN JENISON
GoSycamores.com
ST. LOUIS – Indiana State's Katie Wise and Missouri State's Austin Ruder have been selected Missouri Valley Conference Scholar-Athletes of the Week according to Doug Elgin, MVC Commissioner. Wise and Ruder were honored for their performances during the period of December 8-14.
Wise was named the MVC Female Track Athlete of the Month on Tuesday.
The Sycamore junior opened her indoor season with a victory in the 60 meters at the Hoosier Open Friday in Bloomington, Ind. Wise, the defending MVC Champion, ran the second fastest time in the preliminaries (7.54) and then ran 7.40 in the finals to win the event. The time ties her for third fastest in the nation and is the fastest in The Valley.
She edged two Kentuckians who also ran times that put them into the top-10 of the nation including Javianne Oliver (7.44) and Dominique Booker (7.46). Cincinnati's Kenya Woodall and Purdue's Devnne Charlton ran 7.52 in the finals which tie them for 12th fastest in the nation to date. Wise is a Pre-Elementary Education major at Indiana State University with a 3.65 grade point average.
In Missouri State's only game this week, Ruder helped lead the Bears to their second road victory in three tries this season by drilling 5-of-6 3-point shots against the Redhawks, including a key four-point play in the second half. Ruder also matched a career high with 6 rebounds, dished out 4 assists and snagged 3 steals at the Show-Me Center. Over his last two games, Ruder is 12-for-16 (.750) from 3-point range. Ruder's efforts helped the Bears secure their third win in four outings and second in a row. He holds a 3.57 grade-point average and majors in accounting.
To qualify for Missouri Valley Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Week laurels, student-athletes must carry a cumulative grade-point average of 3.20, completed at least one academic year at a Valley institution and must be at least a sophomore in academic standing.
Redshirt freshmen and first-year junior college transfers are not eligible. In addition to the academic qualifications, student-athletes will be evaluated on their athletic performance for a one-week period.
