Senior Kaspars Brencans Named an NAIA Daktronics Scholar-Athlete

PUC-PeregrinsPurdue University Calumet senior Kaspars Brencans was one of 131men’s basketball players of the NAIA to be named a 2014-15 Daktronics Scholar-Athlete, as released by the national office Monday.

Brencans (Riga, Latvia/Florida Air Academy) claimed his first career honor for the Peregrines. The senior and two-year starter for the Peregrines met the criteria for the award, which includes a minimum 3.5 grade point average and at least a junior standing academically.

Brencans, who carries a 3.67 cumulative G.P.A. in business entrepreneurship, had a strong season to wrap up his career as a Peregrines, averaging 12.9 points and 5.3 rebounds per game while shooting 48.1 percent from the floor. In two seasons, the 6-foot-8 forward finished with 853 points and 232 rebounds, including an all-Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference honorable mention nod during his junior campaign.

The NAIA is the governing body for athletics programs at its nearly 300 colleges and universities throughout the United States and Canada. The long-held mission of the NAIA is to promote the education and development of well-rounded students and productive citizens through intercollegiate athletics. The association offers equitable access and opportunities for participation in its 23 national championship events held annually throughout the country.