PELLA — In conjunction with Central's Student-Athlete Advisory Council's Dutchies event Sunday, three graduating Central College student-athletes were recognized for their efforts on and off the playing field.

Men's soccer player Alejo Marcon (Resistencia, Argentina, Pella Christian HS) received the Prins Sportsmanship Award, women's triathlete Katelyn Freeman (Castle Rock, Colo., Castle View HS) received the Marjorie Giles Student Life Leadership Award and men's wrestler Pierre Baldwin (Chicago, Ill., West Chicago HS) received the Ron Schipper Leadership Award.

The Prins Sportsmanship Award, named after Tunis W. and Harriet B. Prins, is given to a student-athlete or non-athlete, who has demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship in dealing with fellow students on campus or in meeting life's challenges.

Marcon was a men's soccer captain this season, earning All-North Region honors from he United Soccer Coaches Association. He helped the Dutch have a chance to win an American Rivers Conference title on the final day of matches.

The Marjorie Giles Student Life Leadership Award is given annually to a junior or senior who has demonstrated positive values through faith-based leadership in a variety of co-curricular activities.
Freeman finished her career as an All-American honorable mention by the Collegiate Triathlon Coaches Association after finishing 20 th among Division III athletes at the USTA Collegiate Triathlon Championships in November. She's also served the program in a leadership role with the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

The Ron Schipper Leadership Award is presented annually to a senior who reflects the character, commitment and enthusiasm for Central College displayed by Schipper during his 36 years of service to Central's students as head football coach as well as his 30 years as athletics director. The recipient must demonstrate a willingness to set lofty goals and the drive to achieve them, high ethical standards and strong Christian values, a joyous spirit, genuine concern for others and a deep, personal loyalty to Central College.
 
Baldwin, a two-time All-American, was also a captain for the men's wrestling team and strength and conditioning intern. He's set to join the Dutch as an assistant men's wrestling coach after graduation.