Local Rhodes Scholarships winners a study in contrasts

Two Colorado Springs college seniors are the only students in the state to win prestigious Rhodes Scholarships for 2010.

For Regis University senior Will Gohl and Air Force Academy senior Brittany Morreale, that means full scholarships to study at the University of Oxford in England — a prize valued at about $100,000 each.

The two winners are a study in contrasts. Gohl studies literature, Morreale physics. Gohl was denied admission to a military academy because of poor vision. Morreale is an Academy cadet. Gohl was cut from his college sports team after one semester. Morreale is a star athlete.

And while Morreale is the 36th Academy cadet to earn the honor. Gohl is only the second from Regis.

“It is a humbling and challenging honor,” he said Monday.

Gohl, a Colorado Springs native,, graduated from St. Mary’s High School, where he played baseball and served as an umpire for several local baseball leagues. After being turned down for the U.S. Naval Academy, he chose to attend Regis, a Catholic university founded in Denver in 1877 that now has seven campuses, including one in Colorado Springs. “I thought I could get the best individualized attention,” he said. “And I liked the Jesuit ideals of service.”

He is active in school government and sports, though he was cut from the baseball team after one semester. He now serves as class president.

“It is quite thrilling that he won,” said Regis spokesman Donnie Veasey. “We are honored to have someone like him represent what Regis is all about.”

Morreale, of Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif., is a star cross-country runner. She majors in physics with a minor in Japanese and has a passion for jazz viola. Morreale could not be reached for comment.

The Rhodes Scholarships, the oldest and best-known award for international study, were created in 1902 by the will of British philanthropist Cecil Rhodes.  Applicants are chosen on the basis of the criteria set down in the will, including high academic achievement, integrity of character, a spirit of unselfishness, respect for others, potential for leadership and physical vigor.  

“Morreale is a perfect match for the Rhodes Scholarship,” said Brig. Gen. Dana Born, Academy dean of the faculty.  “She has hemispheric breadth, musical talent, international experience and is an athlete.”

Gohl plans to pursue English literature and social legal studies at Oxford.

Morreale plans to continue studying physics.

Gohl plans to return to the United States afterward to study law.

Morreale will return to the Air Force, where she will go through flight school to become a pilot.

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