![The Jostens Trophy presented by Salem [VA] Rotary Club](/images/logos/Jostens_Trophy.jpg?max_width=450)
WILLIAMSTOWN, MA -- The call to inform Williams College that senior forward and co-captain Blake Schultz (Atherton, CA/Menlo School) has been selected as the winner of the Jostens Trophy was received a little after 4:30 PM on Tuesday, March 9th.
Normally the Williams men’s basketball team practices
between 4:00 and 6:00 PM, but a walk to the gym revealed that
lights were on in head coach Mike Maker’s office.
“Coach, no practice today?”
“No, we’ve been giving them Tuesdays off throughout the season.”
“Well, can I get some quotes from you on Blake Schultz winning the Jostens Trophy?”
“Are you kidding me – that’s tremendous!”
A long pause ensues. “Wow, when have you ever seen me speechless,” asked Maker.
“This would be the first time coach.”
“I’m so happy for Blake.”
Maker takes out his cell phone and dials Schultz’s
number.
“Hey coach, what’s up?”
“Where are you?”
“I’m in the library studying for a physical chem test I have tonight.”
“Well, I’m here with DQ and we just wanted to call and tell you that you’ve won the Jostens Trophy.”
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| Blake Schultz '10 |
“Wow, that’s really awesome… as far as individual awards goes this is the most meaningful because of all it represents. It’s really special because Michael Nogelo [Williams ‘98] was the first recipient and since I’ve been at Williams I’ve always looked up to him… This is a great award for our team and our school. Thank you so much for telling me.”
A 34-member nationwide committee of athletic administrators, media members, coaches, former players and elected officials voted on the ten finalists for the 2010 Jostens Trophy that will be presented to Schultz by the Salem [VA] Rotary Club at their luncheon on Thursday, March 18th at the Salem Civic Center, the site of NCAA Division III Men's Basketball Semifinals and Finals.
Schultz is the 13th recipient of the Jostens Trophy and the second Eph. Michale Nogelo was the first eph and the first recipient of the Salem Rotary Club’s Jostens Trophy in 1998. The trophy models the Rotary International motto of "Service above Self" by recognizing those who truly fit the ideal of the well-rounded Division III student-athlete. The award recognizes playing ability, academic performance and community service.
“This award speaks volumes of Blake as a player, a student and a person,” said Maker. “I’m sure I speak for everyone at Williams in congratulating Blake on winning this prestigious award. Blake’s work ethic and his commitment to improving his community should serve as a model to every student-athlete.”
Schultz, an economics major, is a candidate for medical school
and a finalist for Teach for America. He will defer medical school
for two years to participate in the Teach for America Program.
At Williams Schultz is the first two-time winner of Sinc Hart
Award for a Williams men’s basketball player, who has been a
valued good-will ambassador for his sport, College, and community
through community service commitments. He has served on the Student
Athlete Advisory Committee for three years; participated in the
nationwide Best-Buddies program mentoring mentally challenged
youths for three years and for two of those years was the treasurer
of the Williams chapter.
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| Blake Schultz launching a three |
Additionally, Schultz has coordinated Eph team relationships with the local A Better Chance (ABC) program and nearby Berkshire Farm Center (juvenile delinquents in a New York State residence facility), enabling the participants to visit practices and meet and correspond with players. Further, he coordinated free summer basketball camp opportunities for ABC students. He served also as the basketball team’s Toys for Tots representative.
On the basketball court Schultz was named to the 2010 All-NESCAC First Team and is the NESCAC Player of the Year. He was twice named NESCAC Player of the week; MVP of the Williams Invitational; Randolph Macon All-Tournament Team; Purple & Gold MVP and he leads NESCAC and Williams in scoring with 520 points (18.6 ppg). He will graduate ranking in the top ten all-time in points and rebounds at Williams.
Jostens Trophy Recipients
Year Men
1998 Michael Nogelo, Williams
1999 Michael Shantz, Hamilton
2000 Korey Coon, Illinois Wesleyan
2001 David Jannuzzi, Wilkes
2002 Adam Jones, Buena Vista
2003 Derek Reich, Chicago
2004 Justin Call, Emory & Henry
2005 Jon-David Byers, Lebanon Valley
2006 Chris Braier, Lawrence
2007 Ryan Cain, WPI
2008 Troy Ruths, Washington-St. Louis
2009 Jimmy Bartolotta, MIT
2010 Blake Schultz, Williams
