Hastings College sophomore Cameron Mettenbrink, Grand Island, Neb., is one of 11 NAIA student-athletes chosen to participate in the 2011-12 Red Cross/NAIA Collegiate Leadership Program to be held at the Red Cross Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Mettenbrink, a wrestler for the HC Broncos, will receive a $2000 scholarship and an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C., for leadership training.

The leadership program begins with two weeks of training at the Red Cross National Headquarters located in Washington, D.C., from June 5 to June 18, 2011. The incoming class will receive first-hand coaching, mentoring and professional leadership training presented by the Red Cross, one of the nation’s largest non-profit organizations.

In addition, Lori Thomas, NAIA Senior Vice President for “Champions of Character,” and Kristin Gillette, Director of “Champions of Character,” will hold character workshops during the two week leadership academy.

Student-athletes will learn from civic and business leaders how to uncover their leadership potential off the field. The participants will organize successful campus blood drives, actively participate on a leadership board, and take part in diversity and cultural competency training. As part of its support of the Red Cross diversity initiatives, State Farm Insurance is sponsoring the partnership. For their efforts, students will receive scholarship support provided by the Red Cross and State Farm Insurance.

Home of the Hastings Broncos, Hastings College is a private, four-year liberal arts institution, founded in 1882, affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). Hastings College received the 2009 and 2010 GPAC All-Sports Trophy for the best overall performance in 19 conference sports, and 53 Broncos were named Academic All-American last year.

A total of 64 majors in 32 areas of study and 12 pre-professional programs are offered to more than 1,190 students. Hastings College was named among “America’s Best National Liberal Arts Colleges” by U.S. News & World Report, a “Best in the Midwest” by The Princeton Review, and a “Best Buy in College Education” by Barron’s. Visit www.hastings.edu for more information.

For more information, contact Amber Medina at (402) 461-7757 or amedina@hastings.edu.