Santa Rosa Junior College swimmer David Hernandez has been named the Male Scholar Athlete of the Year by the National Alliance of Two-Year College Athletic Administrators.

The prestigious award, in its 17^th year, is given to the male and female student athlete who best demonstrates outstanding accomplishment and leadership in academics, athletics and citizenship.

Hernandez, a sophomore kinesiology major who had a 4.0 GPA, was the captain of the Bear Cubs swim team which finished second in the state this past season. He was a first-team All-American in the 100- and 200-yard butterfly, the 200 medley and the 200 free and 400 medley relays. He ranks second on SRJC's career list in the 100 butterfly and ninth in the 50 free.

Despite his accomplishments, Hernandez, who was told by SRJC swim coach Jill McCormick that he would be SRJC's nominee for the award, said he was stunned to receive the honor.

"When Jill told me I was like, 'OK, go ahead,'" Hernandez said. "But I had no idea I would actually be even close to winning it."

Hernandez will be honored during the NATYCAA's convention in Orlando, Fla., which will be held June 15-18.

Hernandez, who attended Pleasant Valley High in Chico, will continue swimming at the University of Pacific in the fall. He was a Doyle Scholarship recipient, earned a Commitment to Excellence award in each of his four semesters at SRJC and was recognized by the Santa Rosa East Rotary Club as its 2009 Outstanding Student award winner.

Hernandez said he managed to get about a 3.6 GPA in high school, grades he earned without putting in too much effort. At SRJC, he said he learned about the value of hard work - in the pool and in the classroom.

"I think I realized if I wanted to do something with my life I was going to have to work hard," Hernandez said. "I wouldn't say I was the smartest person at the JC, but I have worked really hard."