DAYTONA BEACH, FL (June 7, 2011) - They started out earlier this year as a loosely organized group of enthusiasts who wanted to reinvigorate the Daytona State College Surf Club. This month, they have earned a spot to compete in the highest profile youth surfing event in America - the National Scholastic Surfing Association Championships to be held June 16-18 at Salt Creek near Dana Point, CA.
The event will be recorded and televised nationally on June 25 on the CBS Sports Network’s new The AltGames College Action Sports Championships.
“I’m very proud of how this group has come together this year,” said Bruce Cook, assistant dean of co-curricular activities and the surf club’s advisor. “They all have worked hard to meet the required academic standards and to be consistent during competitions.”
The Surf Club finished the season ranked number four overall in the southeast region. Eight club members have qualified to compete in the national competition based on a combination of their surfing ability and academic performance. They include:
Brandon Onesky – Team captain and a Navy veteran who plans on joining the Coast Guard Reserve and pursuing a career in computer technology upon graduation.
Robert Burns – A Marine veteran and longboarder who plans to pursue an allied health career upon graduation from Daytona State.
Patrick Gingras – Grandson of longtime Daytona State College Professor David Anderson, also a lifelong surfer, who is enrolled in the college’s Bachelor of Science in Education program.
Matthew Turner – Currently enrolled as a Computer Engineering Technology major.
Eric Lomax and Priscilla Turzyn – Currently completing prerequisites required for admission to the college’s nursing program.
Eric Wilson – Recently completed the college’s QUANTA program.
Sarah Rodriguez – Spring 2011 associate of arts graduate who will start her bachelor’s degree studies this fall at the University of Florida.
First established in 1978, the NSSA requires its participants to maintain academic standards in order to compete. More than 80 NSSA events are run nationwide each year, culminating with the annual National Championships.
For more information regarding the Daytona State Surf Club and its team members, please contact Bruce Cook at (386) 506-4417, or email cookb@DaytonaState.edu.
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