THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — The Cal Lutheran athletics department is pleased to announce the 2019-20 Male and Female Athlete of the Year, Obasi Dees and Zandra Stewart.
The criteria was the top performing athletes, of the seasons that occurred, for both the Kingsmen and Regals. Both athletes will also be inducted into the Ventura County Athletic Hall of Fame.
"We are extremely proud and celebrate Cal Lutheran athlete's, Obasi and Zandra, for their outstanding athletic achievements during their seasons," said Cal Lutheran Athletics Director Dan Kuntz.
Dees (Antioch, Calif.) was impressive during his four-year career at Cal Lutheran and was a two-sport athlete, playing as a cornerback for Kingsmen football and then competing with the track & field team. He capped off his Cal Lutheran carrer with the Male Athlete of the Year award. In his senior season, Dees was a Hula Bowl All-Star, First Team All-American (D3football.com), Second Team All-America (American Football Coaches Association), First Team All-West Region (D3football.com) and the program's first-ever four-time First Team All-SCIAC honoree. Dees ran the 100 and 200-meter races and was one of the top runners in the nation. He ranks third in program history in the 200 with a time of 21.52 seconds and also sits sixth in the 100 with 10.75. During his three years, he earned four USTFCCCA All-Region honors.
"Obasi's accomplishments speak for themselves," said football head coach Ben McEnroe. "He is the first Cal Lutheran football player to be named First Team All-SCIAC all four seasons. He is an all-American and a pro prospect. On top of all that, Obasi is an even finer young man and I am so proud of him and excited to see what the future holds. Obasi's best days are ahead of him."
Stewart (Santa Maria, Calif.) was part of a brick-wall defense for Regals soccer over the past four years. On top of earning the CLU Female Athlete of the Year award, she is also Second Team Scholar All-America (United Soccer Coaches), First Team Scholar All-West Region, Third Team All-American and First Team All-SCIAC. She helped lead the Regals to two NCAA Tournament appearances and was a member of the program's first-ever Sweet 16 appearance.
"Zandra is the epitome of student-athlete," said head women's soccer coach Frank Marino. "Her accomplishments this year are extraordinary as she was an All-American. She is the first-ever Regal to ear Scholar All-America. She also added First Team All-SCIAC and All-Region awards. Zandra's leadership on and off the field are a model for future Regals. I couldn't be more proud of all that she accomplished and she is most deserving of this award.
The Cal Lutheran athletics department is proud of each and every one of our Kingsmen and Regals. We are looking forward to another exciting 2020-21 sports season.
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Release by Ryan Jorgenson, Sports Information Director
