Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award Winner Defines STUDENT-Athlete
June 24th, 2009 - byThis year’s winner of the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award winner defines the ideals of the premier student athlete.
University of Florida infielder Brandon McArthur, a student-athlete who helped his team to the NCAA Super Regional after overcoming a serious injury his freshman year, has been selected as the winner of the 2009 Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award in the baseball division.
The award, chosen by a nationwide vote of coaches, media and fans, is presented annually to college baseball’s outstanding NCAA Division I senior student-athlete. The announcement and trophy presentation were made today by Lowe’s, an Official Corporate Partner of the NCAA, during the 2009 NCAA Men’s College World Series in Omaha, Neb. 
An acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School, the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award has grown into the nation’s premier tribute to college seniors. The award identifies personal qualities that define a complete student-athlete, with criteria including excellence in the classroom, character and community, as well as competition on the field.
McArthur ended his senior year with a .338 batting average, 41 runs batted in, 25 runs scored and three home runs. He led the team with 14 doubles. Florida finished the season ranked ninth in the nation with a 42-22 overall record. The Gators were eliminated from the 2009 NCAA Division I Baseball Championship by Southern Mississippi in the Super Regional.
McArthur received his bachelor’s degree in criminology and is working towards a master’s degree in anthropology. He carries a 3.21 GPA and is a four-time selection to the SEC Academic Honor Roll. He is one of only four Gator student-athletes to have been named to the conference honor roll at least four times.
In the community, McArthur regularly donates his time to various local causes, including Special Olympics, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the March of Dimes. He recently received a President’s Volunteer Service Award, recognizing his contributions to the Gainesville community. In addition, he is a two-time selection to the SEC Baseball Community Service Team, highlighting one baseball player from each conference school for his superior service efforts.
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Brandon displays the character that college coaches dream of. While his on-field accolades are impressive alone, when considered in conjunction with the work he has done in the community, his example is one that all student athletes should want to mimic.
