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Dupler and French Recognized for Breaking Records
Leah FrenchHOUGHTON, N.Y. – The Houghton College women’s basketball team celebrated the accomplishments of two of its own on Friday, January 29, 2010 at 6 p.m. Prior to the start of the game against Walsh University, Leah French (Owego, NY/ Owego Free Academy) and Ashley Dupler (Jamestown, N.Y./Jamestown High School) were honored for breaking Houghton College records.
French, a senior forward, has reached the 1,000 point scoring milestone this season – an achievement that she holds along with only eight other lady Highlanders. She is currently fourth place in all-time scoring with 1,199 points, only 29 points behind third place which is held by Tricia Atkinson (1988-92).
French entered the November 21, 2009 game against Fisher College with 999 points and reached the 1,000 point mark on her first basket of the game. She did not realize what she had accomplished until she was informed by her father following the game.
French says she has grown as both a person and a player while at Houghton College. She attributes that growth to a number of people – coaches, teammates and her parents. Her parents, especially, have been an important part of her time at Houghton. “Since coming to Houghton, my parents have missed a total of five games. Their constant support just really allows me to want to do better,” she commented.
Ashley
DuplerAside from everyone at Houghton who has influenced Leah, she would be remiss not to recognize all that God has given her and done for her. “I attribute any and all success to God,” French remarked. “I thank Him every day for the gifts and abilities He has given me.”
Ashley Dupler celebrated her new place in the record books with an achievement that will be difficult to surpass. She currently sits at the top of the list in Houghton school history with an astounding 172 career blocked shots in her almost three years as a Highlander.
Dupler, a junior, has been a force for the Highlanders since she joined the team in the 2007-2008 season. There was little doubt that she would smash the previous blocked shots record when she finished with 73 blocks in her freshman year alone, setting a single season record. The record for an individual career was previously held by Angela Layne (1999-2003) with 95 blocks. Dupler broke that record in her sophomore year against Rio Grande University on her first block of the game. “Knowing that with all those blocks I stopped the other team from scoring at least two points and giving my team an advantage is what I truly love about blocking shots and holding the record,” commented Dupler.
With just a little over a season left to play with the Highlanders, Dupler has not lost her scent for the ball at the defensive end of the floor. However, she finds little gratification in blocking shots or breaking the record alone. “The true enjoyment I get is not from setting records or getting awards,” she stated, “but from being able to play basketball every day with my teammates.” On Saturday, a day after the two players were recognized, Dupler also made it to the 1,000 point scoring mark during a game against Mount Vernon Nazarene University.
H. “Skip” Lord, the head coach of the women’s basketball team, was proud of both French and Dupler. “They work hard on and off the court. Their commitment to excellence spiritually, academically, socially and athletically is a model for all of us.”
