Butler’s Alex Barlow wins 2015 Senior CLASS Award in men’s basketball

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (April 3, 2015) – Academic All-American Alex Barlow of Butler University has been selected as the 2014-15 Senior CLASS Award® winner in NCAA® Division I men’s basketball.

The award, chosen by a nationwide vote of Division I men’s basketball coaches, national basketball media and fans, is given annually to the most outstanding senior student-athlete in Division I men’s basketball. To be eligible for the award, a student-athlete must be classified as an NCAA Division I senior and have notable achievements in four areas of excellence: classroom, community, character and competition.

An acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School®, the Senior CLASS Award focuses on the total student-athlete and encourages students to use their platform in athletics to make a positive impact as leaders in their communities.

“It’s such an honor to be the Senior CLASS award winner,” said Barlow, who led the Bulldogs to 23 wins this season and a trip to the NCAA Tournament. “I want to thank my family and friends for the continued support these last four years and also everyone who voted for me during this process. It’s been an amazing journey, and I’m honored to cap off my career by winning this prestigious award. Thank you, and go Dawgs!”

Barlow, whose story as a walk-on turned starter has received national attention during the past two seasons, has been a solid performer for the Bulldogs both on the court and in the classroom. For the second year in a row he earned BIG EAST Scholar Athlete of the Year honors and was named a 2014-15 second-team Academic All-American. Also a team captain, Barlow led the team in steals, ranking second in the BIG EAST, scored in double figures 14 times and was named to Sports Illustrated’s annual All-Glu Team, which annually recognizes unheralded but invaluable players on the nation’s top teams.

“What a great honor this is for Alex,” said Butler Head Coach Chris Holtmann. “He embodies what a student-athlete is all about. He has made great contributions to Butler University and our community in his time here, and we’re extremely proud of all that he has accomplished. We couldn’t be happier for him.”

Along with his contributions on the court and in the classroom, Barlow earned a reputation for character and sportsmanship during his time at Butler. He not only worked his way into a scholarship and starting position after walking on as a freshman, he also helped guide the team through three conference changes and three coaching changes in just four seasons. For his overall conduct and integrity, Barlow was recognized by the BIG EAST with its 2014-15 Sportsmanship Award.

An active member of the Indianapolis community, Barlow remained committed to outreach throughout his college career, serving regularly with organizations such as the United Way, Ronald McDonald House and the Special Olympics. He also volunteered locally with Indianapolis’ 38th Street Soup Kitchen and Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital among others.

“We’re thrilled that Alex was voted to be this year’s Senior CLASS Award winner,” said Erik Miner, executive director for the Senior CLASS Award. “He has worked extremely hard to get to where he is as one of the leaders of a top program, and he hasn’t compromised in any aspect to get there. He is an inspiration and a tremendous role model for student-athletes across the country.”

Men’s Basketball 2014-15 Winner

Name Position School Alex Barlow Guard Butler

First Team

Second Team