LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Occidental College named women’s tennis player Greta Nagy and men’s track & field athlete James Buellesbach as the inaugural recipients of the Larry Layne ’71 Athletic Achievement Award. The award is presented annually to one male and one female student-athlete who demonstrate outstanding athletic performance while positively influencing their program’s culture.
The honor commemorates Larry Layne, a former Occidental student-athlete renowned for his perseverance, compassion and belief in others. Both Nagy and Buellesbach earned All-American status during the 2025-26 academic year at both conference and national levels.
Greta Nagy Advances in National Tennis Competition
Nagy, a junior on the women’s tennis team, reached the semifinals of the ITA Cup doubles tournament with partner Elina Shalaev. The pair narrowly missed competing for the title after a tiebreaker set. In singles play, Nagy compiled a 9-6 record against stiff competition and secured a significant victory over the No. 26-ranked Vassar early in the season.
She attributed her success to rigorous physical and mental preparation and acknowledged the support of coaches, teammates and friends as integral to her achievements.
James Buellesbach Recognized in NCAA Division III Track & Field
James Buellesbach, a junior hurdler for the Occidental College Tigers, earned Second Team All-American honors at the 2026 NCAA Division III Track & Field Championships by placing 13th nationally in the 110-meter hurdles with a time of 14.65 seconds.
He reflected on his season, emphasizing the importance of focusing on individual races and enjoying the sport. Buellesbach expressed pride in receiving the award as the first honoree and hopes to set a high standard for those who follow.
Award Presentation Set for October 4
Nagy and Buellesbach will officially receive the Larry Layne ’71 Athletic Achievement Award at Occidental College’s Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on October 4. The ceremony will also welcome six new athletes into the Hall of Fame, celebrating the school’s rich athletic history.
CSB Take
The creation of the Larry Layne ’71 Athletic Achievement Award reflects Occidental College’s commitment to honoring student-athletes who excel in both performance and character. By recognizing Greta Nagy and James Buellesbach as the award’s first recipients, the college sets a clear example of the perseverance, leadership and positive influence it values. This accolade not only celebrates individual achievement but also encourages future student-athletes to contribute meaningfully to their teams and uphold high standards on and off the field.
Source: Original report
