Student athletes in print ads

Brad Hertzler ’06
Westport, Mass.
Baseball
University of Maine
(NCAA Division I)
Kane County Cougars (Affiliate of the Oakland A’s)

CCRI’s reputation for academic and athletic excellence drew the attention of Westport, Mass., baseball standout Brad Hertzler. In high school, the pitcher received most valuable player honors and was selected First Team All-State and First Team All-Division three times. He was also chosen as Gatorade Player of the Year in Rhode Island in 2004. Looking to build on his playing career and continue his education, he found a new home at CCRI.

“CCRI changed my life,” he said. “My professors helped me grow on the field and in the classroom, but also as a person in today’s world.”

At the college, Hertzler was named to the 2006 All-New England Team and 2006 All-District Team. From CCRI, he transferred to the University of Maine and was drafted by the Oakland A’s in the 15th round. He now plays for the Kane County Cougars (the A’s class A affiliate in Geneva, Ill.). During his third professional start on July 18, 2007, against the Spokane Indians he threw a rain-shortened five-inning perfect game. “It was the greatest moment in my life,” he said. Hertzler ranked seventh in the A’s system in ERA last season among those who qualified.

But he will always remember CCRI as the place where he got his start at the next level. “My experience at the college will stay with me forever,” he said.

Marvin Owens ’06
Bridgeport, Conn.
Basketball
Northwood University (NAIA)

Marvin Owens counts his decision to attend CCRI as one of the pivotal choices he has made in his life. After meeting Dave Chevalier (then CCRI’s men’s basketball coach), who introduced him to the school, he visited the Warwick campus and immediately felt comfortable in its welcoming atmosphere.

“My coach made me believe it was possible to achieve my academic goals as well as my athletic goals,” Owens said. “He helped me focus on the future instead of just right now.”

Owens credits CCRI for helping him achieve success - earning All-American, First Team NJCAA and National Scoring Leading honors during his junior college playing career - and for preparing him to take tougher courses at Northwood University.

“CCRI is a place where the faculty and staff are like family,” he said. “They are people you can rely on.”

Owens completed his eligibility at Northwood and is finishing his bachelor’s degree in business management. He is exploring the option of continuing his playing career in a European basketball league.

Stephanie Grassini ’08
Warwick, R.I.
Soccer
Rhode Island College
(NCAA Division III)

Stephanie Grassini came to CCRI from Pilgrim High School in Warwick, R.I. with two goals in mind: play for a nationally ranked soccer team and take advantage of an affordable, quality education.

“CCRI has an extremely diverse student body with many success stories; it is truly a great place to start,” she said. “In Rhode Island’s current economic state, the college blends the right ingredients for student success both on and off the field of play at a very reasonable price.”

Grassini majored in General Studies at CCRI and achieved All-American and First Team NSCAA distinctions while a member of the women’s soccer team. She transferred to Rhode Island College where she is continuing her studies in psychology and plays soccer for the Anchorwomen squad. Entertaining her interest in early childhood education, she works for Tender Hearts Child Care & Learning Center in Warwick.

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