The Big Sky Conference announced the 2011 Scholar Athlete Award winners on Monday, June 20. Two Bobcats earned the high academic award for their efforts in their sport and in the classroom during the 2010-11 academic year.

Nick Atwood, a member of both Bobcat Track and Field and Cross Country, completed his eligibility this spring. The Spokane, Wash. native finished his undergraduate degree with a 3.90 grade point average and is currently pursuing a master's degree in earth science. He posted a 4.0 GPA for the spring semester. Atwood was a four-time conference all-academic selection for cross country, indoor track and outdoor track.

As a distance runner, Atwood finished second at the Big Sky Track and Field Championships in the 10,000 meter run. He ranks seventh all-time in MSU history in the event.

Sarah Balian, a two-time Big Sky Conference Defensive Player of the Year, closed out her athletic career with Bobcat Basketball as one of the most prolific players in program history. She is currently completing her undergraduate degree in Nursing and has a 3.95 GPA.

Hailing from Shoreline, Wash., Balian finished her career ranked first in games played (124), all-time blocks (163) and fourth in career points (1,441). She closes her athletic career ranked in the top ten in 11 MSU record categories. She was a four-time All-Big Sky Academic selection.

The winning student-athletes were selected by their institutions based upon athletics and academic performance during the 2010-11 school year. To qualify for the award, a student-athlete must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.2 (on a 4.0 scale), be a member of the graduating class and/or have completed their last year of intercollegiate athletic eligibility, have completed at least two years of intercollegiate competition at the institution, and be a letter winner.