May 31, 2005

LOs ANGELES, Calif. - Three LMU student-athletes were honored as members of the WCC's Spring All-Academic Teams. At the completion of each athletic season, the WCC selects an all-academic squad for each of the participating sponsored sports. To be considered, a student-athlete must earn at least a 3.20 cumulative grade point average, while also being a significant contributor to his or her team. Senior Caitlin McClain, junior Chaz Inouye and sophomore Matt Phillips were selected in their respective sports.

Rower McClain graduated in May with a 3.94 GPA in Urban Studies and Political Science. She was named the 2004-05 Female Student-Athlete of the Year and during the course of her career has led the Lions to new levels of success. She rowed in the 8-seat for the Lions, the spot usually reserved for the team's top rower. She led the Varsity 8 team to the Jessop-Whittier Cup at the San Diego Crew Classic, a race reserved for the top-16 boats in the nation. She helped the Lions earn a win over Purdue in the Petite Final. She was a Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association (CRCA) All-Academic Selection the last two years. She recently earned Academic All-District VIII At-Large first team honors for the second year in a row.

Golfer Inouye had LMU's second lowest score at the WCC Championships in 2005 after leading the team in scoring with top-10 finishes as a freshman and sophomore. The junior has a 3.34 GPA and is a Communications major. He finished the season with a 76.88 average. Inouye had his best round of the season at the Pala Mesa Invitational, shooting a 70 in the final round of play.

Phillips played in all 23 matches for the men's tennis team this spring. He finished 13-8 in singles, including a run in March where he won 10 of his 13 matches. Phillips posted several big victories over ranked opponents this season and has been named to the Dean's List every semester at LMU. He finished the spring semester with a 3.64 cumulative grade point average as a business administration major with an emphasis in international business. Phillips is also a double minor in Italian and Spanish.

"These honorees represent the commitment of WCC student-athletes to both academic and athletic excellence," said WCC Commissioner Michael Gilleran. "Every year, it's a difficult process to narrow the long list of qualified nominees from each institution. All of those nominated should be proud of their achievements."