Tschepikow honored with athlete of the year

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The University of Arkansas Athletics Department, in conjunction with the Razorback Foundation, honors baseball player Ben Tschepikow at its annual Razorback Red Tie Dinner, auction and Salute to Excellence Awards banquet Saturday, Jan. 30, 2010, at the Embassy Suites in Rogers, Ark.

This year marks the 13th season the Razorbacks have honored a student-athlete. In addition, it is the largest group of honorees with six student-athletes being recognized.

Tschepikow is one of six student-athletes who will be honored sharing Athlete of the Year recognition. Tschepikow is a career .302 hitter with 154 runs scored, 219 hits, 41 doubles, eight triples and 13 home runs. He led the team to the 2009 College World Series and was drafted int eh 17th round bythe Kansas City Royals. Tschepikow’s name is sprinkled throughout the record books and he is active in community service earning 2009 SEC All-Tournament team and SEC Good Works Team honors last year.

"We are proud to recognize the many accomplishments of these six extraordinary student-athletes," Long said. "These young men and women are outstanding representatives of the University of Arkansas and the more than 462 student-athletes in the Razorback program. We look forward to a memorable evening as the University community, the athletic department and friends of the Razorback program come together to celebrate the achievements of our honorees in the classroom, in athletic competition and in the community."

The 2009-10 honorees include two Razorback Scholar-Athlete award winners in Stripling and Dorian Ulrey (men’s track and field), three Razorback Athletes of the Year in Michelle Stout (gymnastics), Casey Jo Magee (gymnastics) and Tschepikow and the Spirit of the Razorback Award which will be awarded to D.J. Williams (football).

Each year, the Razorbacks recognize student-athletes whose performance throughout their careers serves to lift up their sport to new heights and whose character exemplifies the goals of the athletic department.

In addition to the dinner, attendees will enjoy a social hour before dinner as well as live and silent auctions.

This year’s event takes place at the Embassy Suites in Rogers, Ark., and tickets are available to the general public for $100 each. In addition, table sponsorships are available. For tickets or more information about being a sponsor call Jessica Dorrell at 479-575-7141 or email her at jdorrell@uark.edu.

RAZORBACK ATHLETE OF THE YEAR – BEN TSCHEPIKOW, BASEBALL-Ranks 10th on Arkansas’ all-time list for singles in a career-Team leader in runs, hits, triples & stolen bases in 2009; doubles & triples in 2008-SEC Good Works Team in 2009-Career .302 hitter with 154 runs scored, 219 hits, 41 doubles, eight triples, 13 home runs, 125 RBI, 94 walks and 28 stolen bases-Career-bests in 2009 with .317 average, 76 hits, 54 runs, four triples, nine home runs, .513 slugging percentage, .396 on-base percentage, 17 stolen bases and .970 fielding %-Led team to the 2009 College World Series…Moved from second-base to short late in season-2009 SEC All-Tournament team-2009 NCAA Norman Regional All-Tournament Team-Drafted in the 17th round by the Kansas City Royals (512th overall)-Organized the baseball team’s adoption of four children at Christmas, raising money for presents-Member of Student-Athlete Advisory Committee