Eastern Wayne Today

Cedric Drenth of Wayne State University's men's tennis team has been named the Chi Alpha Sigma 2024-25 Male Scholar Athlete of the Year. Drenth, who hails from Sulzbach, Germany, is recognized alongside Thea Ring of North Park University, who was selected as the female honoree for her achievements in track and field.

"I am truly honored to be named the Male Scholar Athlete of the Year by Chi Alpha Sigma," said Drenth. "This award, coming after graduation, is a reminder of the dedication I put into both academics and athletics during my time at Wayne State University. It reflects the long hours of training and studying, along with the discipline, persistence and balance that guided me as a student-athlete. These values will continue to shape and support me in the next chapter of my journey."

The National Scholar Athlete of the Year award is given annually to one male and one female student-athlete who have demonstrated strong academic performance, athletic achievement, service, and leadership on campus and in their communities. Nominees must be juniors or seniors inducted into Chi Alpha Sigma with at least a 3.40 cumulative GPA throughout their college careers.

"We are very pleased to celebrate Cedric and Thea with these awards," said Kellen Wells-Mangold, executive director of the National College Athlete Honor Society. "They have embodied the values of Chi Alpha Sigma throughout their collegiate careers, and we are proud to recognize their outstanding achievements."

Drenth finished his collegiate career as Wayne State's all-time leader in singles victories (106) and doubles wins (122). He earned recognition as a three-time ITA Doubles All-American, two-time ITA Singles All-American, and twice received both GLIAC Player of the Year honors for men's tennis and GLIAC Commissioner's Award. Drenth also helped lead Wayne State to three consecutive NCAA quarterfinal appearances during his four years on the team. Academically, he maintained a 3.966 GPA while majoring in finance.

Chi Alpha Sigma was established in 1996 as a non-profit organization recognizing college student-athletes who excel academically, athletically, and through community involvement across its chapters at four-year institutions nationwide.