Major Athletic Award Winners Announced at Michigan State
6/14/2006 12:00:00 AM | General
June 14, 2006
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Six Michigan State University student-athletes have been recognized for excellence both on the playing field and in the classroom as they have earned the school's highest athletic awards for 2005-06.
The awards include the George Alderton Male and Female Athletes of the Year, the Big Ten Conference Medals of Honor, the Chester Brewer Leadership Award and the Dr. James Feurig Achievement and Service Award. A panel of administrators and head coaches selected the winners.
Junior pole vaulter Brad Gebauer (Bad Axe, Mich.) was named the George Alderton Male Athlete of the Year, while senior Liz Shimek (Empire, Mich.) earned George Alderton Female Athlete of the Year honors. Gebauer won both the Big Ten indoor and outdoor pole vault titles and earned All-America honors during the indoor season. In the outdoor season, Gebauer claimed first place at the NCAA Mideast Regional Championships and qualified for the NCAA Championships. Shimek, a senior forward, earned first-team All-Big Ten honors and was named an honorable mention All-American as she became Michigan State's all-time leading scorer and rebounder in her last season in East Lansing. She was drafted in the second round of the WNBA Draft with the 18th pick by Phoenix and currently plays for the Chicago Sky.
In addition to the Alderton Award, Shimek received the Big Ten Conference Medal of Honor along with quarterback Drew Stanton (Farmington, Mich.). The Conference Medal of Honor is given to a senior athlete demonstrating the greatest proficiency in scholarship and athletics.
Wrestling standout R.J. Boudro (Richmond, Mich.) received the Chester Brewer Leadership Award, while women's track and field jumper Taren James (Long Beach, Calif.) earned the Dr. James Feurig Service and Achievement Award.
Last week, the Big Ten also recognized the Sportsmanship Award winners from each school. James was named the female recipient for MSU, while senior football wide receiver Kyle Brown (West Bloomfield, Mich.) was the male recipient.
AWARD - WINNER
George Alderton Male Athlete of the Year - Brad Gebauer (Track and Field)
George Alderton Female Athlete of the Year - Liz Shimek (Women's Basketball)
Big Ten Conference Medal of Honor (Male) - Drew Stanton (Football)
Big Ten Conference Medal of Honor (Female) - Liz Shimek (Women's Basketball)
Chester Brewer Leadership Award - R.J. Boudro (Wrestling)
Dr. James Feurig Achievement and Service Award - Taren James (Track and Field)
GEORGE ALDERTON MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
(Presented to top male athlete of 2005-06)
WINNER: Brad Gebauer (Track and Field)
Although Brad Gebauer entered the season as a two-time Big Ten pole vault champion, he reached new heights his junior season. Gebauer, who had previously won the 2004 outdoor title and the 2005 indoor title, redshirted his sophomore outdoor season with a hamstring injury before storming back on the scene in 2006 with an indoor and outdoor conference crown.
"I'm very honored to receive this award at such a prestigious school with a great athletic tradition," said Gebauer. "There are a lot of great athletes on this campus and it amazes I was selected for this honor. I've always felt that I had the talent, but this year I put myself into a better position to succeed. I believe it was confidence, maturity and trust. You can become successful a lot quicker when you trust your coaches and your workout program. Before, I thought I could be good, but this year, I knew I could be good, and that's a big difference."
 Brad Gebauer earned All-America honors during the indoor season and won pole vault titles at the indoor and outdoor Big Ten Championships.  | |
Gebauer began his junior season by taking first place at the Notre Dame Opener in his first meet of the season. He went on to place second at the Kangaroo Invitational in Akron and third in the Meyo Invitational in South Bend before defending his Big Ten indoor title. His leap of 18-0 1/2 at the Big Ten indoors in February set an Iowa Fieldhouse record and was the second highest jump in school history. Gebauer earned All-America honors for the first time in his career by placing fourth at the 2006 NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships with a jump of 17-10 1/2.
In the outdoor season, Gebauer placed first at the Central Michigan Invitational and the Bulldog Invitational. At the Bulldog Invite, Gebauer cleared a height of 17-9 1/4, the third highest jump in school outdoor history. Of all his accomplishments, perhaps the most gratifying arrived in May in East Lansing as he fought off a nagging hamstring injury in a steady, cold rain to win his fourth Big Ten pole vault crown. Gebauer, a first-team All-Big Ten honoree, rested for two weeks after the Big Ten Outdoor Championships in preparation for the NCAA Mideast Regional Championships. Gebauer responded to the challenge with a first-place finish and a jump of 17-5 to advance to his first-ever NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.
"This award is a tribute to Brad's talent and his work ethic," said Walt Drenth, director of track and field and cross country. "He is a tremendous competitor who has made progress every year. Brad was always someone you could count on in the clutch, and that's a serious attribute to have as an athlete. After winning two Big Ten individual titles this year, it's definitely an honor he deserves."
PAST WINNERS - ALDERTON MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
2005-Nick Simmons (wrestling); 2004-Jeff Smoker (football); 2003-Charles Rogers (football); 2002-Paul Terek (track and field); 2001-Ryan Miller (hockey); 2000-Mateen Cleaves (basketball); 1999-Mateen Cleaves (basketball) and Mike York (hockey); 1998-Chad Alban (hockey); 1997-Reid Friedrichs (soccer); 1996-David Morgan (wrestling); 1995-Shawn Respert (basketball); 1994-Emilio Collins (wrestling); 1993-Bryan Smolinski (hockey); 1992-Anthony Hamm (cross country/track and field); 1991-Steve Smith (basketball); 1990-Kip Miller (hockey) and Percy Snow (football); 1989-Bobby Reynolds (hockey); 1988-Todd Krumm (football/baseball); 1987-Don McSween (hockey); 1986-Mike Donnelly (hockey), Lorenzo White (football), Scott Skiles (basketball); 1985-Sam Vincent (basketball); 1984-Carl Banks (football); 1983-Ron Scott (hockey); 1982-Ron Scott (hockey).
GEORGE ALDERTON FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
(Presented to top female athlete of 2005-06)
WINNER: Liz Shimek (Women's Basketball)
Liz Shimek did it all in her final season at Michigan State. During her senior year, Shimek became the school's all-time leader in points (1,780), rebounds (1,130) and field goals (719), and for her efforts garnered numerous individual honors, including being named a consensus All-Big Ten first team selection. Along with classmate Lindsay Bowen, she became part of the winningest class in school history with 96 wins and started all 131 of her career games. Shimek was a key figure in building the Spartan program to one of the best in the nation, leading the Spartans to four straight NCAA Tournament appearances, the 2005 Big Ten regular season and tournament championships and the 2005 Final Four.
"This is quite an honor," said Shimek. "I'm just so thankful Michigan State gave me the opportunity to succeed. It's a great school that provides you with all of the resources you could need, in academics and in basketball. I can't say enough about the time I spent at MSU. No one year outshines the other, it was all part of the experience. It was unbelievable going to the Final Four last year and this year going to the Sweet 16. I couldn't have done it without my teammates or Coach P and the awesome coaching staff. They are phenomenal and helped me tremendously throughout my career.
"I'm just glad I was a part of something special at Michigan State. Everyone had an impact on the program, so many players come to mind. All the program's players are responsible for the team's success."
"I'm so thrilled for Liz and proud of everything that she accomplished in her career at Michigan State," said women's basketball head coach Joanne P. McCallie. "This is a great honor for her and the program. Liz aspires to the highest level in all that she does, whether it's on the court, in the classroom or in the community. I speak for our entire staff when I say we couldn't be happier for Liz. She was a real special kid and a pleasure to work with. It was just fun watching her because she enjoyed challenging herself and she played hard every minute.
 Liz Shimek is MSU's all-time leading scorer and rebounder. | |
"The biggest compliment I could ever give Liz is that I never had to convince her of anything. Once she was a Spartan, if I told her to do 100 push-ups, she would do it. If I told her to run a mile and a half in a certain time, she would kill the time you told her. You never, ever had to convince her of anything, and I hope that is the biggest thing she passes down."
Shimek was named an honorable mention All-American for the second straight season in 2005-06, averaging a career-best 17.6 points per game, which ranked third in the Big Ten. She also led the team and ranked second in the Big Ten in rebounds (8.3 rpg) and was fifth in the league in field-goal percentage (.541). In addition, Shimek set MSU single-season records for points (597) and field goals (249).
The Empire, Mich., native was the first Spartan, and is one of only five players in Big Ten history, to score 1,700 points and collect 1,100 rebounds in a career. She broke new ground this season by winning Big Ten Player of the Week accolades four times, including back-to-back weeks, which are both Spartan firsts. Shimek was named the WBCA National Co-Player of the Month in December after averaging 22.9 points and 9.1 rebounds in 12 games, including three double-doubles. In the Big Ten Tournament, Shimek averaged 27 points and shot 73 percent in MSU's two games, including a career-high 31 points vs. Iowa in the quarterfinals, to earn all-tournament team honors.
Shimek was selected 18th overall in the second round of the WNBA Draft by Phoenix, but on the same day was traded to Houston. She was acquired by Chicago in a trade before the season and is now playing for the Sky.
PAST WINNERS - ALDERTON FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
2005-Kristin Haynie (basketball); 2004-Jamie Krzyminski (cross country/track & field); 2003-Michelle Carson (cross country) and Jamie Krzyminski (cross country/track & field); 2002-Emily Bastel (golf); 2001-Summer Mitchell (swimming & diving); 2000-Emily Bastel (golf); 1999-Carrie Carpenter (softball); 1998-Jill Lusher (field hockey); 1997-Sevatheda Fynes (track & field); 1996-Val Sterk (volleyball); 1995-Karen Winslow (soccer); 1994-Susan Francis (track & field); 1993-Jodi Blotcher (gymnastics); 1992-Misty Allison (cross country/track & field); 1991-Julie Farrell-Ovenhouse (swimming & diving); 1990-Julie Farrell (swimming & diving); 1989-Julie Farrell (swimming & diving); 1988-Michelle Ingalls (gymnastics); 1987-Odessa Smalls (track & field); 1986-Mary Schoenle (swimming & diving); 1985-Kelly Becker (volleyball); 1984-Deanne Moore (softball); 1983-Judi Brown (track & field); 1982-Molly Brennan (track & field).
BIG TEN CONFERENCE MEDAL OF HONOR
(Presented to a male and female student-athlete at each conference institution for outstanding athletic and academic achievement)
MALE WINNER: Drew Stanton (Football)
Spartan quarterback Drew Stanton is another perfect example of blending athletics and academics at Michigan State.
In 2005, Drew Stanton became just the second quarterback in Spartan history to reach the 3,000-yard passing milestone in a season, joining Jeff Smoker who threw for 3,395 yards in 2003. The 6-foot-3, 222-pound Stanton completed 236-of-354 throws (.667) for 3,077 yards, a school-record 22 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He finished the regular season ranked second in the Big Ten and No. 9 in the NCAA in passing efficiency with his 153.4 rating. Stanton, who was named one of 15 semifinalists for the Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award, also ranked second in the Big Ten and No. 6 in the NCAA in total offense, averaging 310.5 yards per game. He led the league in TD passes (22; tied with Indiana's Blake Powers) while ranking second in passing yards (279.7 per game).
With 233 passing yards (23-36) vs. Penn State in the regular-season finale, Stanton extended his school-record streak of consecutive 200-yard passing games to 12 (including the 2004 season finale at Hawaii). He padded another record by registering his 12th-straight game with at least one TD pass, including a 15-yard scoring toss to Kerry Reed in the fourth quarter. Stanton accounted for 314 total yards against the Nittany Lions, becoming MSU's single-season leader in total offense (3,415 yards).
 Drew Stanton has thrown a touchdown pass in 12 straight games. | |
He produced four 300-yard passing games in 2005, including a career-best 340 yards vs. No. 15 Ohio State. Stanton became the first offensive player in Spartan history to earn back-to-back Big Ten Player of the Week awards (vs. Notre Dame and Illinois). He accounted for 375 total yards and four TDs in MSU's 44-41 overtime victory at No. 10 Notre Dame. Stanton completed 20-of-26 throws for 259 yards and a school-record five TDs in the Spartans' 61-14 victory at Illinois.
In just two seasons as a starter, the Farmington Hills, Mich., native already ranks among MSU's career leaders in completion percentage (first at .657), total offense (second at 5,784 yards), TD passes (fifth at 30), pass completions (sixth at 379), passing yards (sixth at 4,717) and pass attempts (eighth at 577).
A three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection, Stanton earned ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America second-team honors in 2005, as selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). He graduated in May of 2006 with a 3.45 grade-point average in kinesiology.
"I'm very honored to be in such select company at Michigan State and the Big Ten Conference," said Stanton. "It's a great feeling to be rewarded for both academic and athletic accomplishments. I just want to thank my coaches, the academic support staff at the Smith Center and my teammates for making this possible."
"This is a well-deserved honor for Drew," said MSU head coach John L. Smith. "It emphasizes his commitment to academics and athletics. He's an All-American both on and off the field, and this award proves what a first-class kid he is."
BIG TEN CONFERENCE MEDAL OF HONOR RECENT MALE WINNERS:
2005-Chris Hill (basketball); 2004-Steve Manz (track and field); 2003-Tyler Robinson (soccer); 2002-Josh Thornhill (football); 2001-Shaun Mason (football); 2000-Shawn Horcoff (hockey); 1999-Steve Schell (cross country/track & field); 1998-Tyler Harlton (hockey); 1997-Tyler Harlton (hockey); 1996-Brian Picklo (wrestling); 1995-Emilio Collins (wrestling); 1994-Steve Wasylk (football); 1993-Dave Smith (cross country/track & field); 1992-Stuart Hirschman (baseball); 1991-Walt Bartels (hockey); 1990-Walt Bartels (hockey); 1989-Danton Cole (hockey); 1988-Michael Davidson (baseball); 1987-Dean Altobelli (football); 1986-Don McSween (hockey); 1985-Carlton Evans (lacrosse); 1984-Kelly Miller (hockey); 1983-Michael Brown (swimming & diving); 1982-Morten Andersen (football).
FEMALE WINNER: Liz Shimek (Women's Basketball)
Liz Shimek becomes the first women's basketball player at Michigan State to earn both the Alderton Award and the Big Ten Conference Medal of Honor in the same season.
In addition to being named first-team All-Big Ten, honorable mention All-America and first-team all-region, Shimek shined off the court as well.The general management major graduated this past May with a 3.70 grade-point average. For her efforts in the classroom, she became only the second player in program history to earn first-team Academic All-America honors.Shimek also earned Academic All-District and Academic All-Big Ten honors her sophomore, junior and senior years.
Shimek left Michigan State as the school's all-time leader in scoring (1,780 points), rebounds (1,130) and field goals (719).
Shimek joins Karen Wells, Kelly Belanger, Julie Polakowski and Eileen Shea as the five women's basketball players at MSU who have been award the Big Ten Conference Medal of Honor.
BIG TEN CONFERENCE MEDAL OF HONOR - RECENT FEMALE WINNERS:
2005-Veerle Goudswaard (field hockey); 2004-Michelle Carson (cross country/track & field); 2003-Stephanie Anisko (swimming & diving); 2002-Carly Weiden (swimming & diving) and Krista Buzzell (crew); 2001-Carly Weiden (swimming & diving); 2000-Carly Weiden (swimming & diving); 1999-Carrie Carpenter (softball); 1998-Melissa Pryor (field hockey); 1997-Val Sterk (volleyball); 1996-Patti Raduenz (softball); 1995-Laura Bell (cross country/track & field); 1994-Laura Bell (cross country/track & field); 1993-Ruth Aguayo (gymnastics); 1992-Misty Allison (cross country/track & field); 1991-Emily Coatney (soccer); 1990-Eileen Shea (basketball); 1989-Mary Schoenle (swimming & diving); 1988-Kim Hartwick (gymnastics); 1987-Lisa Marino (golf); 1986-Julie Polakowski (basketball); 1985-Kelly Belanger (basketball); 1984-Anne Pewe (cross country/track & field); 1983-Karen Wells (basketball); 1982-Lisa Speaker (golf).
CHESTER BREWER LEADERSHIP AWARD
(Presented to a graduating senior in his or her last year of eligibility for distinguished performance in athletics and scholarship and for possessing a high degree of leadership qualities and skill.)
WINNER: R.J. Boudro (Wrestling)
R.J. Boudro transferred to Michigan State as a junior and made an immediate impact on the mat, in the classroom and in the community. He finished his career with a 70-44 record, including a 48-16 mark while donning the Green and White. More importantly, he exhibited excellent leadership skills and became one of the leading figures at SASS (Student-Athlete Support Services).
Boudro was one of two MSU student-athletes chosen to attend the 2005 NCAA Regional Leadership Conference and was the MSU representative at the Big Ten Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). He was also the vice-chair of the SAAC. In addition, Boudro was a two-time participant of the student-athlete lip sync contest that raised money for the Children's Miracle Network.
 R.J. Boudro competed at the NCAA Championships for the second straight year in 2006. | |
On the mat, Boudro completed his last season with a 29-8 overall record, including an 11-3 mark in dual matches and a 6-2 mark in Big Ten matches. He finished a career-best third in the 174-pound division at the Big Ten Championships and represented Michigan State for the second consecutive year at the NCAA Championships. Boudro, who was ranked as high as No. 7 in the nation, claimed the tournament championship at the Nittany Lion Open, took second at the Michigan State Open and third at the Midlands Championships.
An Academic All-Big Ten selection, R.J. Boudro compiled a 3.20 grade-point average in sociology and graduated in May.
"R.J. was always willing to help out and was very reliable," said Angela Howard, associate director of SASS and director of the life skills program. "Not only would he participate in something, but he would get others involved and coordinate the event. He took the initiative and the leadership needed to make an event successful."
CHESTER BREWER LEADERSHIP AWARD RECENT WINNERS:
2005-Kristin Haynie (basketball); 2004-Allison Fouch (golf); 2003-Sandy Lewis (softball); 2002-Adam Hall (hockey); 2001-Ann Cieszkowski (soccer); 2000-Leah Nilsson (cross country/track & field); 1999-Melissa Pryor (field hockey); 1998-Kyle Baker (cross country); 1997-Dana Cooke (volleyball) and Tamika Matlock (basketball); 1996-Courtney DeBolt (volleyball); 1995-Eric Snow (basketball); 1994-Rob Fredrickson (football); 1993-Steve Johnson (baseball); 1992-Mike Gilmore (hockey); 1991-Becky Belanger (volleyball) and Eileen Shea (basketball); 1990-Chris Willertz (football); 1989-Sheila Ovenhouse (softball); 1988-Pat Shurmur (football); 1987-Shane Bullough (football); 1986-Anthony Bell (football); 1985-Kelly Miller (hockey); 1984-Michael Brown (swimming & diving); 1983-Eliot Tabron (track & field); 1982-Shawn White (wrestling).
DR. JAMES FEURIG ACHIEVEMENT & SERVICE AWARD
(Presented to a male or female graduating senior involved in athletics as a competitior or in a supporting role. The recipient should carry a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 or better, and in addition to athletic and academic success, demonstrate involvement in school/campus and community activities.)
WINNER: Taren James (Track and Field)
For all of her athletic success during her career, it's hard to imagine Taren James had time for anything else on campus. The first-team All-Big Ten selection claimed the triple jump crown at the 2006 Big Ten Outdoor Championships and placed second in the long jump. She competed in the NCAA Mideast Regional Championships for the third straight year and narrowly missed a berth in the NCAA Championships. But it doesn't begin to even scratch the surface for what she has done in the classroom, in the community and on campus.
James graduated in May with a 3.65 grade-point average in journalism. She was a three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection, a three-year award winner at MSU's annual academic excellence gala, made the dean's list seven semesters and twice earned the Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholars Award.
James was involved in numerous community service activities throughout her time at MSU. She participated in the Women Working Wonders 5K run/walk, the teen summit at Haslett High School, Teams for Toys and March is Reading Month at local schools. She worked at the New City Academy throughout the spring semester as a mentor for at-risk youth and was a three-year participant of the student-athlete lip sync contest that raised money for the Children's Miracle Network. When the Hurricane Katrina tragedy struck the Gulf Coast last fall, James volunteered at Red Cross to raise money for the area and also participated in a dodge ball tournament that served as a hurricane relief fundraiser.
 Taren James won the triple jump competition at the 2006 Big Ten Outdoor Track and Field Championships. | |
A very active member in MSU's SASS (Student-Athlete Support Services) Department, James was the chair of the 2006 MSU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and was an advisory board member for the SASS Multicultural Program. James represented Michigan State at the 2005 NCAA National Leadership Conference and was one of two MSU representatives at the 2005 NCAA Regional Leadership Conference.
"Taren has a wonderful personality," said Walt Drenth, director of track and field and cross country. "All you have to do is spend five minutes with her to tell she is an impressive person. She exemplifies the meaning of student-athlete in every aspect, and demonstrates class on and off the track. For all of her work in the community, she is very deserving of this award."
"Taren dedicated herself to the community," said Angela Howard, associate director of SASS and director of the life skills program, "and motivated others to do the same. She had natural leadership abilities and represented Michigan State on a national scale at prestigious leadership conferences. She is a tribute to someone who cares about others."
FEURIG ACHIEVEMENT & SERVICE AWARD RECENT WINNERS:
2005-Erin Carlson (soccer); 2004-Joe Tate (football); 2003-Brad Fast (hockey); 2002-Adam Hall (hockey); 2001-Deb White (field hockey); 2000-Jennifer Hanink (soccer); 1999-Melissa Pryor (field hockey); 1998-Dave Mudge (football); 1997-Stephanie Dueringer (cross country/track & field); 1996-Susan Gibson (soccer); 1995-Angela Howard (gymnastics); 1994-Mill Coleman (football); 1993-Molly West (tennis) and Chris Brown (track & field); 1992-Matt Steigenga (basketball); 1991-Jason Muzzatti (hockey); 1990-Dawna Wilson (gymnastics) and Todd Mercer (swimming & diving); 1989-Kelly Collister (volleyball); 1988-Keiko Timmerman (gymnastics); 1987-Kristen Nelson (swimming & diving) and Barry Fordham (basketball); 1986-John Wojciehowski (football); 1985-Bob Fossum (golf) and Riney Wilke (lacrosse); 1984-Michael Brown (swimming & diving); 1983-Syd Wells (golf); 1982-Molly Brennan (track & field).
BIG TEN SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD
(One member of each varsity sports team on every campus was chosen by the institution as a Sportsmanship Award honoree and from each university's list, two outstanding Sportsmanship Award winners were then selected. All of the Sportsmanship Award honorees have distinguished themselves through sportsmanship and ethical behavior. In addition, these student-athletes must be in good academic standing and must have demonstrated good citizenship outside of the sports-competition setting.)
MALE WINNER: Kyle Brown (Football)
Senior wide receiver Kyle Brown spent his career at Michigan State making an impact. On the field, Brown caught 88 passes for 1,329 career yards and six touchdowns. He had a career year in 2005, compiling a season-high 36 receptions for 546 yards, good for third on the team on MSU's high-powered offense that ranked among the 11th in the nation in passing. In the community, groups and projects that Brown has been involved in include: the Multicultural program, Teams for Toys, Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, Dodgeball for Hurricane Relief, Cancer Kids Trick or Treat, St. Vincent's Hospital Black History Month, and the the Kings-Chavez-Parks Initiative.
 Kyle Brown was a three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection. | |
Brown also excelled in the classroom during his time in East Lansing. A three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection, Brown graduated in May with a 3.08 GPA in interdisciplinary studies in social science.
"I wish every parent that has kids growing up could have them be like Kyle Brown," said MSU head coach John L. Smith. "He's as good as a kid as I've ever coached. Kyle is a super individual who goes out of his way to help the community. He deeply cares about others, and he showed it with all of his hard work on and off the field this year."
FEMALE WINNER: Taren James (Track and Field)
Players Mentioned
