Oklahoma State University Athletics
Lopez, Nelson Named OSU Outstanding Seniors
March 27, 2012 | Cowboy Cross Country & Track
March 27, 2012
STILLWATER, Okla. – Oklahoma State soccer player Krista Lopez and track athlete Mark Nelson have been named Outstanding Seniors by the OSU Alumni Association, it was announced today.
Lopez and Nelson are among 15 graduating seniors to earn the honor this year, which the Alumni Association awards to students who “distinguish themselves through academic achievement; campus and community activities; academic, athletic or extracurricular honors or awards; scholarships and work ethic during their time at OSU.”
Lopez, who is graduating with a degree in accounting and management, leaves OSU as one of the most decorated soccer players to ever come through the program. She helped guide OSU to its most successful four-year stretch, including four-straight NCAA Tournament appearances, two-straight Elite Eight appearances and four-straight Big 12 championships.
She is among the top 10 at OSU in numerous categories, including fifth all-time in career goals (27), sixth in career assists (18) and seventh in career points (72).
Lopez has also accumulated a long list of academic awards, as she was named the 2011 Capital One Academic All-American of the Year, she was twice named to the CoSIDA Academic All-America first team (2010-11) and named an Academic All-Big 12 first-team selection three times (2009-11). She was also named to the 2011 Capital One Academic All-District 7 first team and the 2010 NSCAA Scholar All-South Region first team.
Nelson is a distance runner for the track and field program and also competes on the cross country team. He will be graduating with degrees in Russian language and literature, as well as aerospace and mechanical engineering.
Nelson competed in the first two cross country meets of the 2011 season for OSU, placing 18th at the season-opening Hurricane Invitational. He also ran three times during the indoor track season, setting personal records in the 800 meters and 1,000 meters.
He has twice been named an Academic All-Big 12 first-team selection in track (2010-11) and was named to the 2011 academic all-Big 12 first team in cross country.
The awards banquet will be held on April 23 at the ConocoPhillips OSU Alumni Center.
