Petersen named as an Academic All-American

OLATHE, Kan. -- Gardnerville's Jared Petersen has been named an NAIA Academic All-American for California Maritime Academy.

The NAIA announced it's annual All-American Scholar Athlete team, which included Petersen, a junior, and senior Damon Gomes, another Cal Maritime student-athlete.

Both athletes, who are members of the Cal Maritime basketball team were named to the prestigious group which honors student-athletes who have maintained a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher.

Petersen is the son of Jerome and Donna Petersen of Gardnerville. He is also a Divisional Commander for the Corps of Cadets, Vice President of the Senior Class and Vice President of the campus chapter of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

Petersen attended Douglas High School and graduated as the class Salutatorian in 2000. He maintains a 3.99 grade point average while majoring in mechanical engineering.

Upon graduation in 2004 he will receive a Bachelor of Science degree and a Third Assistant Engineers License issued by the U.S. Coast Guard which will allow him to sail as an officer in the American Merchant Marine.

Petersen said his immediate goals upon graduation will be to go to sea for the travel experience and to raise enough money to go back to school to earn his Master's Degree in Design Engineering.

"Jared is just the sort of athlete that we enjoy recruiting and bringing to our program," Cal Maritime athletic director Harry Diavatis said. "He is outstanding in the classroom as well as on the basketball court. We have followed Jared since his junior year at Douglas High School."

The 6-4 forward is a three-year starter on the Keelhaulers basketball team. This season he averaged 6.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. He was also team captain.

Cal Maritime is located in Vallejo, Calif. and is a campus of the California State University that prepares its graduates for careers in maritime and related industries. Cal Maritime is a member of the NAIA Far West Region and competes in the California Pacific Conference.

For additional info:

Harry Diavatis

(707) 654-1050

hdiavatis@csum.edu