Page and Arias Receive 2023 Hamlow Award

Article by Peyton Berroth

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Elisha Page of the baseball team and Isabella Arias of women's cross-country were the two San Diego Christian College athletes awarded the 2023 Cliff Hamlow Champion of Character award on October 29th in Costa Mesa. The two were a part of a select group of 20 student-athletes from across The Golden State Athletic Conference that are chosen to receive the award. One male and one female student-athlete from each GSAC school who exhibits exceptional athletic accomplishment, campus and community leadership, long-term aspirations, and commitment to the program's five fundamental character standards (Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Sportsmanship, and Servant Leadership) is honored with the award. The athletes are required to be at least a junior and carry a 3.0 GPA. The award is established in honor of former Conference Commissioner Cliff Hamlow, who served the organization from its founding in 1986 until 2012. Dr. Hamlow had a significant role in developing the NAIA's Champions of Character program. The award is one of the highest honors GSAC athletes can receive, and we are very proud of Elisha and Isabella.

Elisha Page an outfielder on the baseball team represents everything that San Diego Christian College looks for and values in a student-athlete. An unwavering faith in God, a servant's heart, an inquisitive mind and a commitment to being a light in the world. In addition to being a leader on the baseball team, Elisha is a fixture around campus, known for his strong faith, servant's heart, and by his commitment to making SDCC a better place. An accomplished photojournalist and videographer, for many years Elisha has set an example for his peers by using his talents to do volunteer media production work for The Rock Church in San Diego. He is also an avid surfer who has incorporated his love of the ocean into his walk with Christ by volunteering as a youth surf instructor with the Walking on Water Christian ministry. In addition to his commitment to the local community, Elisha is equally committed to serving the global community. He has been a part of numerous mission trips that have spread the gospel throughout the world in places such as Zambia and Mexico. "Elisha serves as much as anyone I've coached in 20 years", said head baseball coach Josh Milner. "He serves the school, community, his teammates, and others.  I've seen him invest in younger kids and give his time and energy in a way that is very uncommon with today's athletes.  Elisha cares for people and takes a genuine interest in them.  He's an amazing young man that has already impacted many and will continue to do so for decades to come. It's an honor to coach him."

Isabella Arias is a staple of our cross-country team. To say Isabella is a fixture on the campus would be an understatement. Her desire to serve the San Diego Christian College community has led her to not only be named captain of the cross-country team but also led her to volunteer to serve other teams on campus as well. In addition to her rigorous training and study schedule, which earned her distinction as a GSAC scholar-athlete, Isabella is currently also serving as the women's basketball team manager and is a dedicated campus leader. Not content to only stay within the confines of her world as a collegiate scholar-athlete, she also volunteers with the Hawks men's and women's soccer programs and the men's and women's basketball teams. Isabella is the glue that joins San Diego Christian College as one giant family. Universally loved and admired by her peers for her servant's heart and unwavering positivity, Isabella has a remarkable reputation with faculty and staff as well. An "A+" student studying Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science, Isabella would like to continue to serve future athletes and non-athletes alike as an ambassador for teaching the importance of physical education. As an advocate for youth fitness, Isabella volunteers as an elementary school cross-country coach, teaching the next generation of runners the joy of the sport. Kinesiology department chair and instructor, Dr. Jeff Eyanson, describes Isabella as "…a great student, a sharp mind, and more importantly, a great friend." Head basketball coach Anessa Wolfback says, "Isabella is a positive light on campus. She is a great student, but on top of that, she is an athlete and an asset to our program. She is a big part of our success and would not function as efficiently without her. She is one of the most genuine people that I have ever met. She will have a ton of success in her chosen profession of teaching and will have a positive influence on the children she teaches just as she has had on her peers at SDCC." When asked about Isabella winning the award, head cross country coach Daniel Guerrero said, "As Isabella's coach, I am thrilled to see her achievements highlighted through winning this award, She is a talented athlete who's always shown up ready to put the work in and better herself, her grit will pave the way to the excellence of her future."