Jaksch and Whipple recognized by the OEC

The Orange Empire Conference handed out its annual Nevco Character Champion Award this spring and two Bobcats made the list.  Golfers Patrick Jaksch and Nicole Whipple were recognized by the conference.

The Orange Empire Conference has chosen a character champion since 2009-10.  This award is given to the student-athletes who displays the following values; sportsmanship, respect, caring, fairness, civility, honesty, integrity and responsibility shown through a specific action, ideally directed toward an opponent during competition.

The criteria also includes the action of putting the team and teammates before oneself while acting as a positive role model.

The representatives from Saddleback this past year were Patrick Jaksch and Nicole Whipple, who both stood out among the 400+ athletes on campus.    

Jaksch was the captain of a men's golf team that recently won the Orange Empire Conference championship and finished second at the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) State Championships.  A two-year player, Jaksch drove from Vista every day to go to school and practice.  In addition, Jaksch puts his team above his own personal accomplishments.

"Patrick is a great kid and everyone in the league loves him," head coach Wayne Westling said.  "He'll do well wherever he ends up in life."

Whipple was the captain of the women's golf team that finished second at the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) State Championships this past November.  Whipple is a tremendous student with a great work ethic and respected by both teammates and opponents.

"Nicole exemplifies high character," head coach Bob Bosanko said.  "She arrives early, stays late and gets along with all of the other players."

CONGRATS TO BOTH ATHLETES!