ERIE, Pa. ---
Bethany Brun, a senior at Mercyhurst College, is the recipient of the Elite 88 award for the 2011 NCAA Division II Rowing Championship for the second consecutive year.
Brun, majoring in religious studies and sociology with a minor in marriage and family studies, currently carries a 3.96 grade point average and was presented with the award during the opening banquet on Thursday in Sacramento.
She is a two-time All-American and is currently making her third appearance with the Lakers at the national championship. She helped the 2009 squad to a runner-up team finish before Mercyhurst captured the varsity eight national championship in 2010 as an at-large bid.
A top three finalist for the Mercyhurst Senior Student-Athlete of the Year award, Brun was recently honored with one of the College's top marks when she was awarded the Carpe Diem Award.
Brun and the Lakers return to action on Friday, May 27 when the varsity eight squares off in either the 10:45 or 11 a.m. heat and the varsity four races in the 11:15 or 11:30 a.m. PST heat.
The Elite 88, an award founded by the NCAA, recognizes the true essence of the student-athlete by honoring the individual who has reached the pinnacle of competition at the national championship level in his or her sport, while also achieving the highest academic standard among his or her peers. The Elite 88 is presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average participating at the finals site for each of the NCAA's championships.
Eligible student-athletes are sophomores or above who have participated in their sport for at least two years with their school. They must be an active member of the team, traveling and a designated member of the squad size at the championship. All ties are broken by the number of credits completed.
For more information on the Elite 88 award winners, log on to NCAA.com/elite88.
Mercyhurst has earned three Elite 88 awards, with women's ice hockey standout Vicki Bendus claiming the honor in 2010.
