TUCSON, Ariz. – The third annual CATSYS, Arizona Athletics' student-athlete award show, celebrated the Wildcats' accomplishments in the classroom, in their sports and in the community on Monday evening as Channing Frye returned to campus to host the event following a 13-year NBA career. Frye, backed by recording artist Kelley James and fellow emcee Chris "Geeter" McGee, rolled out a memorable evening of recognition and celebration in McKale Center.
The show recognizes outstanding male and female student-athletes in each class as well as key academic and community services awards.
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A complete listing of the night's winners are below.
AWARD WINNERS
Freshman Female Athlete of the Year
Freshman Male Athlete of the Year
Sophomore Female Athletes of the Year
Sophomore Male Athlete of the Year
Junior Female Athletes of the Year
Junior Male Athlete of the Year
Ruby Award
Sapphire Award
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Support Services Staff Member of the Year Nominees
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Additional Recognitions & Awards
Academic Team Awards - Men's Cross Country & Gymnastics
Salutatorian - Lindsey Malecha (Women's Basketball)
Valedictorian - Gustavs Kehris (Men's Track & Field)
Individual Community Service Awards - Malcom Holland (Football) and Sophia Thomas (Women's Tennis)
Athletic Director's Cup of Community Service - Arizona Women's Basketball
Unsung Hero Award - Elizabeth Shelton (Volleyball)
Inspiration Award - Sarah Shimomura (Women's Swimming & Diving)
A-Club Silver Anniversary Award Recipients
Michelle Fernandez Wells, Gymnastics
Michelle Fernandez Wells is originally from Denville, New Jersey. She came to the University of Arizona in 1990 and received an athletic scholarship as a member of the Arizona Gymnastics Team. After competing as a Gymcat and enduring two ACL knee surgeries, Michelle transitioned into a coaching role for the program. She majored in Communications with a minor in Health with career aspirations to work in sports marketing. While a student-athlete, Michelle earned the Mary Roby Academic Award for her success in competition and in the classroom. Michelle graduated in 1994 and accepted a full time marketing position in Major League Baseball as the Marketing Director for the San Diego Padres. She later went on to work for the Milwaukee Brewers before relocating to Las Vegas with her husband Greg Wells of 22 years. While raising her three boys, she has been heavily involved in the local community in Las Vegas, volunteering and supporting such organizations as, Shade Tree, Make-A-Wish Foundation, SoleHealers and many others.
Greg Wells, Baseball
Greg Wells is originally from Maxwell, California. He came to the University of Arizona in 1992 after earning an athletic scholarship while attending Butte Community College in Northern California. He was an outfielder on the 1992 Pac-12 Championship Arizona Baseball team, and majored in Economics while graduating in 1994. Following graduation, he worked for a financial services firm and in 1996 became Branch Manager. In 1999 Greg and Michelle relocated to Las Vegas. For the past 19 years Greg has worked in various real estate development and investment functions and is currently the President of Investments & Real Estate at Marnell Companies. Greg is very active in the Las Vegas community by serving with many local and national organizations including, Community Education Advisory Board for the City of Henderson, Tuscany Research Institute, Shakey's USA and several other small startup companies.
Greg and Michelle have three sons, Austin (19), Carson (17) and Mason (15). Austin is a current member of the Arizona Baseball Team and is continuing his parents' legacy of Wildcat excellence.
