UBALDO AYALA OF CENTENARY COLLEGE, a sophomore on the men's swimming and diving team from Hallsville, Texas, has been selected the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) Character and Community Male Student Athlete of the Week for the week beginning October 14.
The SCAC Character & Community award honors the efforts of student-athletes who excel in the field of athletics, and also serve their campus and community.
Ubaldo was an easy choice for Centenary head swimming coach Tom Radam to nominate for the SCAC Character & Community Award. But the things that Ubaldo does in the pool, on campus, and in classroom are certainly not easy.
“I was honored to nominate Ubaldo for the SCAC Character and Community Award because I believe he represents the ideal student, athlete and citizen any college in America would want on their campus,” said Radam. “He actively champions positive change in his every endeavor with a focus on favorably enhancing the lives of everyone around him.”
Ayala burst onto the scene last season as a rookie as he earned three top-10 finishes in his first weekend of action. He also recorded three individual wins during his first season - once in the 200 breast on Oct. 28 versus Millsaps (2:32.15), and twice on Jan. 10 versus Millsaps in the 50 back where he set a season-best time (28.51), and the 100 breast (1:08.87).
“Ubaldo is one of those rare individuals you meet in life who has a sincere willingness to serve others combined with a fierce, indomitable pursuit of excellence in academics and athletics,” said Radam. “He leads by his actions and his words to inspire those around him to become better students, athletes, and persons!”
Ayala served as a freshman senator on SGA and in his time, he worked on several projects including the renovation of multiple dorms on campus, the “Career Closet, and several replacements of water fountains around campus. Through Kappa Sigma, he volunteered at 9/11 day of service for the Department of Public Safety and did several fundraisers for philanthropy military heroes.
“Swimming has taught me to be resilient,” said Ayala Swimming is a difficult sport in terms of things like waking up at 5 a.m. and jumping into a cold pool. Moments like these prepare me for my day ahead. Through swimming, I am comfortable pushing myself to my limits. The student life is what allowed me to continue to do what I love and the student life and swimming are similar. In class we learn to analyze our mistakes and figure out what we did wrong. The same applies in swimming, there is always something that can be improved, we just have to continue to work on the little things.”
“Being featured for the SCAC Character & Community Award is a huge honor. I have always tried to be a leader everywhere I go. I am grateful for the opportunity to make a difference at Centenary and in our community.”
