Awards as the outstanding senior athletes among Hope College graduates in the class of 2008 were presented to two students during the college's Honors Convocation on Thursday (April 24).

Awards as the outstanding senior athletes among Hope College graduates in the class of 2008 were presented to two students during the college's Honors Convocation on Thursday (April 24).

Lindsay Lange of Manistee (Manistee HS) was presented the John Schouten award while Tommy Yamaoka of Zeeland (Zeeland East HS) received the Otto van der Velde All-Campus Award. 

The van der Velde award is presented to a senior man for outstanding contributions to the college in athletics, scholarship and participation in student activities. The award, presented annually since 1932, is named in memory of Dr. Otto van der Velde, a 1915 HopeCollege graduate who lettered in four sports and was later the college's team physician for more than 40 years.

The Schouten award is given to a senior woman who, in addition to excelling in athletics, possesses other strong character traits and leadership abilities. The award is named in memory of John "Jack" Schouten who was a long-time physical educator and coach at Hope, in addition to serving as the college's first director of athletics.

A kinesiology major, Lange lettered in both basketball and track & field.  She was a three-year letterwinner in basketball and has achieved NCAA All-America honors in track & field.  She is a co-captain of both teams this year.  The Flying Dutch basketball team posted an 87-6 record during her varsity career, highlighted by a national championship in 2006 and NCAA tournament appearances all three years.  She is a two-time NCAA Division III American in the heptathlon (2006 and 2007) and as a freshman was an All-American in the 400-meter dash. She holds the Hope record in several track & field events and this weekend is seeking to qualify for nationals in the heptathlon.  She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gary (Coby) Lange of Manistee.

An economics/management major Yamaoka is a four-time all-conference (Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association) golfer.  Hope won the conference championship all four of his years and next month will be competing in the NCAA Division III championship for a third straight year. He was the conference medalist twice, including his senior year. His honors have included being named to the national all-freshman team (2004) and receiving All-America recognition as a junior (2007).  He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Alan (Wendy) Yamaoka of Zeeland.