Fresenius and Gardiner recognized by OEC

Saddleback athletes Drae Fresenius and Lance Gardiner have been recognized by the Orange Empire Conference as members of the Nevco Character Champion Team for the 2020-21 academic calendar.

Fresenius and Gardiner are both playing sports during the spring as Fresenius is a member of the women's beach volleyball team and Gardiner is a member of the baseball team.

This award is given to the student-athletes who displays the following values; sportsmanship, respect, caring, fairness, civility, honesty, integrity and responsibility shown through a specific action, ideally directed toward an opponent during competition.

The criteria also includes the action of putting the team and teammates before oneself while acting as a positive role model.

Fresenius is the sister of former Saddleback volleyball player Ayla Fresenius and daughter of assistant coach Lael Fresenius.  She is half of the No. 1 beach duo this spring for Saddleback and is off to a tremendous start to the season in the sand.  Fresenius is a Dana Hills High School graduate.

Gardiner is in his second season with Saddleback after his first season was cut short due to COVID-19 in 2020.  He's currently batting .314 through nine games this spring with a .429 on-base percentage.  Gardiner graduated from Capistrano Valley High School.