UW-Platteville's Jeff Skemp is one of 10 finalists for the prestigious Jostens Trophy, announced today by members of the Rotary Club of Salem, Va.

The Jostens Trophy is a national award created by the Rotary Club of Salem, Va., to honor the most outstanding men’s and women’s Division III basketball players of the year. The award takes into account three vital parts: basketball ability, academic prowess and community service. The trophy models the Rotary motto of “Service above Self” by recognizing those who truly fit the ideal of the well-rounded Division III student-athlete. This year’s class marks the 12th year the award has been presented.

Skemp is a senior from Hazel Green and Southwestern High School. The 6-10 center has led the Pioneers to a 21-4 record and number five national ranking. He leads the Pioneers with 19.1 points per game, the highest UWP scoring average since Steve Showalter averaged 21.2 ppg in 1987-88.

Already having earned his bachelor's degree in business admnistration, Skemp is working on his master's in project management. He has served as a spokesman for Men Against Women Violence and MADD, has served on a University search and screen committee, and drives a school bus part time.

The Finalists are as follows:

Men’s Finalists

Jimmy Bartolotta, MIT

Jose Guitian, Lasell College

Rashawn Johnson, Wesley College

Tim Madson, Bethel University

Scott Morton, SUNY Geneseo

John Noonan, Ursinus College

Joel Patch, Susquehanna University

Kent Raymond, Wheaton College

Jeff Skemp, UW-Platteville

Tony Thrasher, Hamline University

Women’s Finalists

Melanie Auguste, Colorado College

LeighAnn Burke, DeSales University

Melissa Gorski, Monmouth College

Amanda Hiltunen, Randolph-Macon College

Hillary Klimowicz, The College of New Jersey

Sarah Meisenberg, Franklin & Marshall College

Margo Muhlbauer, Buena Vista University

Megan Scheele, Edgewood College

Claire Sheehan, Illinois Wesleyan University

Keli Ward, York College

The Salem Rotary Club is responsible for the initial review of annual nominations and narrowed the pool to 10 men and 10 women finalists. The list above will be forwarded to the 35-person national selection committee, which will complete the selection process by picking the two Jostens Trophy winners.

The winner will be presented the Jostens Trophy scheduled for Thursday, March 19 at the Salem Civic Center in conjunction with the Men’s Division III Championship being hosted in Salem, Va., on March 20-21.

Additional information on the award can be found at: http://www.odaconline.com/jostens/jostens.htm.