TicketsCINCINNATI – University of Cincinnati men's basketball senior Gary Clark (Clayton, N.C./Clayton HS) and women's basketball senior Ana Owens (Indianapolis, Ind./Lawrence North) have been recognized as winners of the prestigious Jean Stephens Memorial Award.
The award honors Stephens, a 16-year member of the UC Department of Athletics who passed away in 1999, who epitomized integrity, respect, high ethical standards and a commitment to the University. Members of the department nominated student-athletes who exemplify Stephens' attributes toward: a commitment to the team, department and the University; integrity and high ethical standards in all situations; respect for and the equitable treatment of others; friendship and positive attitude of others; friendship and a positive attitude in interpersonal relationships and being a consummate team player.
Clark and Owens also were each nominated for the Senior CLASS Award, a national award annually given to men's and women's basketball student-athletes who excel both on and off the court.
Clark is scheduled to graduate following the spring semester with a degree in criminal justice. A Legion of Excellence honoree, Clark has logged more than 50 hours of community service in the Cincinnati community leading his teammates to spend time at such places as Our Daily Bread, the Sheakley Boys and Girls Club and the Friar's Club. Clark has also offered words of encouragement to hospitalized patients. During the summer 2016, Clark interned directly with Dr. Robin Engel, who serves as UC's Vice President of Safety and Reform, working to positively impact campus safety.
Clark recently became only the fifth Bearcat in school history to achieve 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds in his career. A preseason watch list selection to the Oscar Robertson Trophy, the Lute Olson Player of the Year Award and the Karl Malone Power Forward of the Year, Clark leads the American Athletic Conference with 26 career doubles-doubles and ranks third in the nation with 1,011 career rebounds.
Owens is set to graduate after the spring semester with a degree in organizational leadership. A Legion of Excellence honoree and member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), Owens has been engaged in multiple community service and philanthropy efforts including the Freestore Food Bank, Walk for Alzheimer's, Stand for Justice on UN Day, and hurricane relief efforts.
Owens has started every game of her collegiate career (third in UC history currently with 113). A member of the 1,000-point club, Owens leads the Bearcats in assists (4.0 per game), ranks second in scoring (11.5 points per game) and is listed second in The American, shooting 92.9 percent from the free throw line.
Other finalists considered for the award were Alex Bloom (men's track and field), Vanessa Gilles (women's soccer), Christina Gloor (women's golf), Christian Hay (men's soccer), Alex Macaffer (lacrosse), Kellsa Mbah (women's track and field) and David Orndorff (baseball).
Clark and Owens were recognized at Wednesday's men's basketball game against Houston at BB&T Arena. In addition, each student-athlete's name will be added to a permanent plaque recognizing Stephens and her contributions to UC athletics. Funds from the Jean Stephens Memorial Fund will be added to both the men's and women's basketball programs.