The trio of Luke Barker, Lindsay Quigley and Kelli Keefe are a lot like that dynamic duo, Bill and Ted. They've had some seriously excellent adventures as Chico State student-athletes. And now they have the plaques to prove it. All three were recently honored at the 2014-15 University Awards Reception.
 
Barker is the recipient of the Bud Hanna Outstanding Scholar Athlete, Quigley the Richard Dahl Outstanding Female Scholar Athlete award, and Keefe is one of two Chico State students to receive the Mac Martin Excellence in Leadership Award.
 
The Hanna Award is sponsored by InterWest Insurance Services, Inc. The award is designed to honor a student-athlete who is currently or about to pursue a graduate degree or teaching credential. The student-athlete selected must have illustrated excellence in his academic pursuits as well as in their respective sport(s).
 
Barker certainly fits the bill. Currently pursuing his master's degree in exercise physiology, he was recently nominated for CoSIDA Academic All-District honors. He's also had a legendary career as a pitcher on the baseball team, earning First Team All-America honors while setting a new Chico State record with 18 saves last season. This season he's in the starting rotation and ranks among the nation's best with a miniscule earned run average of 1.73.
 
When Barker isn't blowing fastballs by the opposition, he's blowing away his professors with his excellent thesis on the biomechanics of pitching and increasing velocity.
 
The Dahl Award, funded by the Dahl Family, is designed to honor a female student-athlete who has illustrated excellence in her academic studies and sport(s). The awardee must have completed her athletic eligibility and carry an overall grade point average well above the average within their respective college.
 
Well above the average doesn't even begin to describe Quigley. Her four years at Chico State have netted some of the most excellent achievements in the classroom and on the court in the program's history. Quigley's outstanding senior campaign culminated in Honorable Mention American Volleyball Coaches' Association All-America accolades and her third straight Capital One Academic All-District award.
 
The Paradise native did it all while double majoring in chemistry and biochemistry with a minor in math. She plans to pursue a career in chemical engineering or physical chemistry following graduate school.
 
Quigley ranked fifth in the nation in hitting percentage (.400) in 2014 and finished her Chico State career as the program's single-season and career hitting percentage leader. She's also ranked among the program's career top 10 in kills, block assists, total blocks and sets played.
 
The Mac Martin Award, funded by the Mac Martin Excellence in Leadership Endowment, acknowledges an outstanding student-athlete leader who reflects the values and commitment of Mac Martin. Mr. Martin was one of Chico State's most respected and appreciated former staff and alumni members.
 
Keefe does a lot of things well. Perhaps most importantly, she's an excellent time manager. She starts at second base on Chico State's softball team, which recently earned a berth in the postseason. Keefe is also an excellent student, earning 2013-14 CCAA All-Academic honors. As if that's not enough, Keefe also helped lead the annual Wings of Eagles fundraising event, participated in campus events such as Up 'til Dawn, Wildcat Welcome, Senior Send Off, and helped with various Alumni Association events. Keefe is also an officer for the Recreation Hospitality and Parks Society, a club that has benefited from her leadership, organization, and public speaking skills.
 
It takes some quickness to run from one thing to the next in Keefe's busy life. It's a good thing she's so fast. She ranks eighth in Chico State softball history in stolen bases.
 
It's been an excellent adventure for these three special student-athletes who have helped make Chico State a special place to be.