Feb. 20, 2006

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Missouri seniors William Hobson and Lauren "Bunny" Schwartzman were named this week's Lathrop & Gage Varsity M Student-Athletes of the Week for their exceptional contributions to their respective athletic teams, combined with their strengths in the classroom and time spent in the local community.

A native of Katy, Texas, Hobson is a shot putter on Mizzou men's track and field team. A business management major, he earned a 3.75 grade-point average in the fall semester. Hobson is a three-time All-Big 12 Conference honoree after finishing fifth at the 2004 Big 12 Indoor Championships, seventh at the 2003 Big 12 Indoor Championships and seventh at the 2005 Big 12 Outdoor Championships. In the classroom, Hobson has made the Academic All-Big 12 first team every semester at Missouri and has earned Dean's List honors five semesters. Additionally, he is a United States Track Coaches Association All-Academic Team selection.

Schwartzman, a nutrition and fitness major, is a member of the No. 9 gymnastics team at Missouri. The San Antonio, Texas native, who recorded a 3.94 grade-point average in the fall semester, currently ranks first in the nation on the balance beam and tied for 23rd on the floor exercise. Schwartzman stands as the only gymnast in Missouri history to record a perfect 10.0, a feat she accomplished twice on beam in 2004 and also holds Mizzou's floor record with a 9.975. A four-time All-Big 12 performer, Schwartzman was the Big 12 Beam Champion in 2004. The two-time Academic All-Big 12 first team member also holds the top six beam scores in program history.

The Mizzou track and field team returns to the track Friday and Saturday, Feb. 24-25 for the Big 12 Championships in Lincoln, Neb. The No. 9 Missouri gymnastics team will host the 26th annual Cat Classic on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 24-25 at 7 p.m. in the Hearnes Center. Schwartzman aims to become the first gymnast in Cat Classic history to earn four-consecutive event titles, which she can achieve on both beam and floor.