Athletes of the month
Lyndsay Callahan and Craig Jenkins named for their athletic accomplishments.
By Adrian Kendrick
Managing Editor
Football and volleyball have little in common. There is no tackling in volleyball and no aces in football, but one thing the sports have in common is die-hard athletes.
Occasionally one athlete may stand out, like the University of Indianapolis Student Athletes of the Month, sophomore outside hitter, Lyndsay Callahan and senior running back, Craig Jenkins.
“These are outstanding athletes who are deserving of [the title],” said Sue Willey, director of athletics.
Callahan was shocked she was chosen as student athlete of the month for volleyball and expressed her teammates deserved it as much as she did.
“I’ve been blessed with an amazing team and would not accomplish anything without everyone of my teammates,” she said.
Callahan began playing volleyball in the fourth grade and was coached by high school and college players. The coaches would invite her to come watch their games and she began to fall in love with volleyball. Ever since then Callahan has played volleyball.
UIndy’s assistant volleyball coach, Kyp Harasymowycz, said he had a hand in recruiting her.
“She’s a great asset to the team, not only in volleyball but also in character,” Harasymowycz said. “She’s always the first one here and the last to leave.”
Callahan’s work ethic has led her according to UIndy’s Web site (athletics.uindy.edu) this year to a total of 236.5 points this season, 3.01 kills and 3.48 average points per set.
In 2007 she was dubbed third team all-conference, totaling 395 kills in her first collegiate season, the most ever by a UIndy freshman. She also recorded 435 digs, paced the teams regulars with a .277 hitting percentage and finished second on the team in both kills and digs.
Not only is Callahan scoring on the court, she is also making points in the classroom. Majoring in business and Spanish, she has made the Dean’s List honoree.
“I’m proud of everything I have accomplished so far, but I have so many things to improve on,” Callahan said.
Harasymowycz expressed the team would not be where they are if it were not for Callahan.
“She’s a perfectionist and commands everyone to work as hard as she does,” Harasymowycz said. “The best part about it is she’s only a sophomore-we get to keep her for two more years.”
Jenkins football coach, Joe Polizzi though will lose a player next season.
“I don’t even want to think of that yet,” Polizzi said. “I want to enjoy coaching, motivating and watching this unique young man do his job.”
This year Jenkins is able to do his job with a total of 439 rushing yards this season. He averages 109.2 yards per game. Jenkins was named Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Play of the Week on Oct. 5, following his performance in UIndy’s homecoming victory against Northwood University. He recorded a career best with 251 yards against the Timberwolves.
According to UIndy’s Web site (athletics.uindy.edu) in 2007 Jenkins was redshirted after missing the entire season due to an injury suffered in the preseason.
Jenkins revealed sitting out, watching his team play and not being able to help them win, was challenging.
“I worked so hard all summer and then I had to sit out …it had to be the most difficult obstacle I had to overcome,” Jenkins said.
Challenges though, did not make Jenkins second guess playing football. He became interested in football at four-years-old. He began playing peewee football at age six and has been playing ever since. Jenkins said he’s glad all his hard work has paid off.
“It’s good I accomplished a lot here at UIndy, but I’m never satisfied. I can always do better,” Jenkins said.
It’s that same self-determination that Polizzi admires about Jenkins.
“Craig is a pillar in our program. There is no question in my mind that after graduation Jenkins will be remembered as one of the top running backs to wear a Greyhounds uniform,” Polizzi said.
These student athletes of the month may play different sports, but they have one common drive; determination.
“Both students had wonderful performances,” Willey said. “I’m anxious to see who the next student athletes of the month will be.”
