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NCAA News Release
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University Of Georgia And University Of Puerto Rico Student Athletes Named NCAA Walter Byers Postgraduate Scholarship Recipients
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For Immediate Release
Monday, May 3, 2004
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Contact(s)
Gail Dent
Director of Public Relations
317/917-6431
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INDIANAPOLIS---Corrin Drakulich, a University of Georgia Division I track & field student-athlete who plans to pursue a law degree in postgraduate studies, and Joaquin Zalacain, a University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Division II tennis student-athlete who plans to study cardiology in graduate school, have been named the 2004 NCAA Walter Byers Postgraduate Scholarship award recipients.
Drakulich and Zalacain, who were selected from among six finalists (three men, three women), will each receive a $21,500 scholarship from the NCAA. They have the option of renewing the scholarship in year two of their studies if they are in excellent academic standing.
Drakulich, a resident of Portland, Oregon, will graduate with baccalaureate degrees in genetics and religion in May. She plans to pursue a career in scientific litigation once she completes her postgraduate studies.
Drakulich was a presidential scholar each of her four years at Georgia, a member of several honor societies, including Phi Beta Kappa, Blue Key, Phi Kappa Phi and Golden Key, and a perfect 4.0 GPA student-athlete every semester while pursuing dual degrees.
She is a recipient of the Peach of an Athlete Role Model Award, which is presented to a student-athlete in the state of Georgia in recognition of achievements in academics, service and leadership. She also earned the Southeastern Conference At-Large Sports Good Works Team award, which is presented to a student-athlete at an SEC school for community service and leadership achievements.
Drakulich has been a captain of the Georgia track & field team the last two years. She also earned Academic All-America, Academic All-SEC and was All-SEC in her sport during college. In 2001, she became the Georgia women's indoor and outdoor pole vault record holder; was the pole vault champion and record holder at the prestigious Drake Relays; and has earned the top grade point average on the Georgia track team three consecutive years (2001-03).
Zalacain will graduate in May with a degree in general sciences and plans to continue studies in cardiology. He has familiarity in the field, having conducted research in cardiovascular physiology and myocardial failure while an undergraduate.
Zalacain, a Rio Piedras native, is a member of the National Dean's List of Honor at the University of Puerto Rico and is listed in the Who's Who Among American University & Colleges. He earned a summer internship travel award and a summer undergraduate research fellowship award from Boston University in 2003, and has a cumulative 3.79 grade point average at the University of Puerto Rico.
Zalacain was a sub-captain of the University of Puerto Rico tennis team for two years, and this past season was named captain of the team. He compiled an impressive singles record, earning 20 wins with only two losses, and led his team to national prominence in 2002. In addition to his academic and athletic achievements, Zalacain has volunteered his time to several organizations, including La Esperanza, a special school for disabled children, and the University of Puerto Rico Hospital. In addition, he was a chemistry tutor, a professor's assistant, a tennis instructor and earned a Red Cross Lifeguard Training and Community First-Aid and Safety certification while a student-athlete. Zalacain also has been recognized by his professors for outstanding academic presentations he has made on research projects.
The Walter Byers Postgraduate Scholarship Program was established in 1988 to recognize the contributions of the former NCAA executive director, and was developed to encourage excellence in academic performance by student-athletes. A Byers Scholar is recognized as an individual who has combined the best elements of mind and body to achieve national distinction for his or her achievements, and who promises to be a future leader in his or her chosen field. The student-athletes are chosen in recognition of outstanding academic achievement and potential for success in postgraduate study in his or her planned career.
Award recipients are required to have at least a 3.500 grade-point average (4.000 scale), show evidence of superior character and leadership, and demonstrate that participation in athletics has been a positive influence on personal and intellectual development, among other qualifications.
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