BEREA, Ohio – The Baldwin Wallace University Department of Athletics has announced its 2021 Most Outstanding Senior Athlete Award winners.

The Kenneth Steingass Most Outstanding Male Athlete has been awarded since 1948-49 while the Marcia French Most Outstanding Female Athlete was first awarded in 1981-82. Both are presented annually to a deserving senior which is voted on by the coaches.

All-American and four-time All-Ohio Athletic Conference wrestler Stanley Bleich (North Ridgeville/Elyria Catholic) and All-OAC and All-Great Lake Region cross country runner and All-OAC distance runner Hastings Marek (Pataskala / Watkins Memorial) were tabbed as the Male and Female Most Outstanding Senior Athletes.

Bleich ended his illustrious career with perfect 6-0 in 2021.  He tallied 15 takedowns, four escapes and two major decisions. 

For his career, Bleich is a two-time NCAA Division III National Championships qualifier and a National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) All-American. He ranks ninth on the all-time wins list with 105 victories and a 105-20 record.

Off the mat, Bleich is a three-time NWCA Scholar All-American team selection, two-time Academic All-OAC performer, a College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) Academic All-American, Dean's List student, a Jacket scholar and a member of the Chi Alpha Sigma Honor Society.

Marek finishes off an impressive career as a distance runner for the Yellow Jackets. She is a six-time All-Great Lakes Region selection (two cross country and four track), an eight-time All-OAC performer (two cross country and six track), a four-time All-Ohio performer (two cross country and two track) and a two-time national qualifier in cross country.

Marek also holds the indoor 1,000-meter run school record. In her senior track season, she was recognized as the OAC Indoor Track Athlete of the Week three separate times and was also named the OAC Indoor Distance Athlete of the Year.

Off the course and track, Marek is an Academic All-OAC selection, Dean's List student and a member of the Chi Alpha Sigma Honor Society.