Sandy Valley Standout Signs with Blue Knights
MAGNOLIA, Ohio (January 5, 2006) – Urbana University women’s golf signed its newest addition today at Sandy Valley High School. Senior Jenna Swihart (pictured right, seated center), a two-sport standout at SVHS, was offered an athletic scholarship to play golf for the Blue Knights. She accepted and signed her letter of intent in front of friends, family and school officials.

“I’m excited to have Jenna join the team,” said Urbana coach Jacque Howell. “She is confident young lady from a great family. She has a terrific swing and foundation to build on. She understands her weaknesses and is not afraid to work at it.”

Swihart, of Waynesburg, Ohio, an accomplished golfer, was named her school’s MVP both her junior and senior years. She was named 1st Team Inter-Valley Conference this year after averaging 45.0 and leading her squad to a second place finish in the conference. She is a four-time Tri-County League selection, including 1st Team her junior and senior years, 2nd Team her sophomore season, and Honorable Mention her freshman year. Swihart also garnered All-Eastern District honors as a 1st Team honoree as a junior and senior and 2nd Team as a sophomore.

“Jenna is a real quality kid. Urbana University is getting a natural leader and team builder,” said Sandy Valley golf coach Deb Widder. “She always works hard and improved every year. She was a consistent golfer and solid member of the team. Jenna was our No. 1 golfer the last two years and also helped out the younger girls on the team.”

Swihart is also a three-year letter winner in softball, earning 2nd Team Conference accolades last year. She played two seasons of basketball for Sandy Valley. She is also active in the Science Club, Ski Club and was the senior Homecoming attendant.

The Blue Knights finished its inaugural women’s golf season in the fall. In Urbana’s 155 year history there has never been a women’s golf program until 2005. Urbana University is located on a 128-acre campus in Urbana, Ohio, with the major metropolitan areas of Columbus and Dayton within an hour's drive. With 24 academic majors and a wide variety of activities and organizations, Urbana’s students have a wealth of opportunities from which to choose.

“I chose Urbana because of the size of the school and the location,” said Swihart. “I like that the team is just starting out. I feel I have a good work ethic and would like to contribute to the success of the Urbana golf program.”

Swihart plans to major in Sports Medicine/Athletic Training at Urbana University. She is the daughter of Ed and Carmen Swihart of Waynesburg, Ohio.

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