Michigan State Announces Major Athletic Award Winners
6/8/2015 12:00:00 AM | General
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Six Michigan State University student-athletes have been recognized for excellence both on the playing field and in the classroom, earning the school's highest athletic awards for 2014-15.
The awards include the George Alderton Male and Female Athletes of the Year, Big Ten Conference Medals of Honor, Chester Brewer Leadership Award and Dr. James Feurig Achievement and Service Award. A panel of administrators and head coaches selected the winners.
Junior goaltender Jake Hildebrand (Butler, Pennsylvania) was named the George Alderton Male Athlete of the Year, while senior cross country/track and field standout Leah O'Connor (Croswell, Michigan) earned George Alderton Female Athlete of the Year honors.
A first-team All-American, Hildebrand was named the Big Ten Player of the Year and Goaltender of the Year after leading the conference in nearly every statistical category, including save percentage (.930), goals-against average (2.18) and shutouts (six). His save percentage ranked 10th nationally and his shutout total tied for second in the country.
O'Connor was named the Big Ten Cross Country Athlete of the Year, as well as the Big Ten Indoor and Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year. She helped lead the Spartans to the NCAA Championship in cross country and took first place at the Big Ten meet as MSU won the league title for the second year in a row. O'Connor has won 10 individual Big Ten titles in track, including three during the 2015 outdoor championships, as Michigan State won the conference championship for the first time since 1982. She also won the NCAA title in the mile run during the indoor championships and is looking to defend her national title in the 3,000-meter steeplechase later this week at the outdoor championships.
Senior punter Mike Sadler (Grand Rapids, Michigan) and senior field hockey forward Abby Barker (Columbus, Ohio) were named Michigan State's recipients for the Big Ten Conference Medal of Honor. The Big Ten Conference's most exclusive award was the first of its kind in intercollegiate athletics to recognize academic and athletic excellence. The Big Ten Medal of Honor was first awarded in 1915 to one student-athlete from the graduating class of each university who had "attained the greatest proficiency in athletics and scholastic work."
Senior volleyball libero Kori Moster (Cincinnati, Ohio) was named the recipient of the Chester Brewer Leadership Award, becoming the fourth player in program history to win the award.
Senior defenseman Ryan Keener (Grand Blanc, Michigan) of men's soccer won the Dr. James Feurig Achievement and Service Award.
In addition, senior swimmer David Zoltowski (West Lafayette, Indiana) and senior field hockey midfielder Becky Stiles (Medford, New Jersey) were named the recipients of the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award for Michigan State, as previously announced by the conference office. 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.
AWARD - WINNER
George Alderton Male Athlete of the Year - Jake Hildebrand (hockey)
George Alderton Female Athlete of the Year - Leah O'Connor (cross country/track and field)
Big Ten Conference Medal of Honor (Male) - Mike Sadler (football)
Big Ten Conference Medal of Honor (Female) - Abby Barker (field hockey)
Chester Brewer Leadership Award - Kori Moster (volleyball)
Dr. James Feurig Achievement and Service Award - Ryan Keener (soccer)
Big Ten Sportsmanship Award (Male) - David Zoltowski (swimming & diving)
Big Ten Sportsmanship Award (Female) - Becky Stiles (field hockey)
GEORGE ALDERTON MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
(Presented to top male athlete of 2014-15)
WINNER: Jake Hildebrand (hockey)
Jake Hildebrand emerged as one of the top goaltenders in the nation this past season, earning first-team All-America honors and being voted the Big Ten Player of the Year and Goaltender of the Year.
"It's very humbling to even just be mentioned with the people that have won this award and I'm truly honored," Hildebrand said. "I can't thank my teammates and coaches enough as they are the ones that make something like this possible. We had a great second half of the season and it makes me even more excited for next year."
Hildebrand allowed two or fewer goals 20 times in playing all 35 games between the pipes. The first-team All-Big Ten selection led the conference in nearly every statistical category, including save percentage (.930), goals-against average (2.18) and shutouts (six). His save percentage ranked 10th nationally and his shutout total tied for second in the country.
"Jake had an outstanding year, both on the ice and in the classroom," MSU head coach Tom Anastos said. "As one of the nation's elite goaltenders, his play continued to elevate as the season progressed and he became our catalyst in putting us in a position to compete for the Big Ten regular-season championship."
In Big Ten play, Hildebrand performed even better. The native of Butler, Pennsylvania, posted a 1.94 goals-against average and .940 save percentage. He allowed two or fewer goals in 13 of 20 league games and recorded five shutouts.
During the 2015 calendar year, Hildebrand led all goalies nationally with a .947 save percentage, while his 1.82 goals-against average ranked seventh. His five shutouts over the span were second most in the country.
Hildebrand's stellar season has placed his name among the best goaltenders in Michigan State history. His 10 career shutouts are fifth most in MSU history - two behind Chad Alban (1994-98) and Jeff Lerg (2005-09) for third place.
Hildebrand, who was a Mike Richter Award finalist, surpassed Alban, Ryan Miller (1999-2002) and Norm Foster (1984-87) on the Spartan career saves list this season and now ranks fifth on MSU's all-time chart with 2,780 stops.
The six shutouts tie Alban for the fifth most by a Spartan goaltender in a season, while his five shutouts in conference play tie Miller and Matt Migliaccio (2002-03) for the fourth most by an MSU goaltender in league play in a season.
Hildebrand is the 11th Spartan hockey player to be named the George Alderton Male Athlete of the Year and the first since Lerg in 2008.
PAST WINNERS - ALDERTON MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR:
2014-Darqueze Dennard (football); 2013-Le'Veon Bell (football); 2012-Draymond Green (basketball); 2011-Greg Jones (football); 2010-Greg Jones (football); 2009-Franklin Gomez (wrestling); 2008-Jeff Lerg (hockey); 2007-Jeff Lerg (hockey); 2006-Brad Gebauer (track and field); 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 2014-15)
WINNER: Leah O'Connor (cross country/track and field)
Senior Leah O'Connor is one of the most decorated athletes in Michigan State track and field history.
At this season's Big Ten Outdoor Track & Field Championship, O'Connor captured her fourth-straight Big Ten 3,000-meter steeplechase championship with a time of 9:51.38, becoming the conference's first-ever four-time champion in the event. She is the first Spartan track athlete to win four Big Ten titles in the same event since Odessa Smalls won the 200-meter dash from 1984-87.
O'Connor went on to claim her second career titles in the 1,500-meter and 5,000-meter races in leading the Spartan women to their first Big Ten Championship since 1982 with 128 points. The three conference championships brought her career total to 10, the second-most in program history, earning her Big Ten Athlete of the Year and Big Ten Athlete of the Championships.
O'Connor was also named the Big Ten Indoor Athlete of the Year and Championships in March after winning the women's mile run with a meet record time of 4:32.29. She went on to win the mile run at the NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships on March 14, posting the fastest time (4:27.18) in NCAA Championships history and breaking her own school record. She was also named the 2015 USTFCCCA Women's Indoor Track Athlete of the Year for the Great Lakes region.
O'Connor will be in search of her third individual National Championship at the upcoming NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships this week in Eugene, Oregon, as she looks to defend her 2014 title in the 3,000-meter steeplechase. She recently broke the school record in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the East Preliminary Championships in Jacksonville, Florida, with a time of 9:35.33.
In the fall, O'Connor helped lead the Spartans to their first-ever National Championship in cross country and also their second-straight Big Ten Championship. Named the Big Ten Cross Country Athlete of the Year, O'Connor saved arguably the best performance of her MSU career at the conference championship race, as the three-time first-team All-Big Ten selection (2012-2014) shattered her career-best mark in the 6K with a time of 19:26.30 to finish first overall. O'Connor was also named the Great Lakes Region Women's Athlete of the Year, becoming the first Michigan State women's athlete to win the award since Emily MacLeod in 2009 and 2010, after taking first place at the regional meet and helping MSU to a first-place showing. O'Connor completed her unforgettable cross country season by earning All-America honors after placing 17th at the NCAA Championships, as the Spartans won the NCAA title with 85 points, the lowest-point total since 2008.
"I'm humbled and grateful for this honor and for everything I've been given at Michigan State University," said O'Connor. "I wake up in the morning excited to pursue my dreams and thank God for my incredible coaches, teammates, family members and the support system at MSU. I will always be a Spartan."
"At the risk of hyperbole, Leah should be considered one of the great female athletes in MSU history," said Spartan director of cross country/track and field Walt Drenth. "She has been a joy to coach. Leah has been wonderful to work with on and off the track. She will have the opportunity to represent the United States of America for years to come."
O'Connor is the fourth athlete to win the Alderton Award under Drenth (Beth Rohl, 2012; Emily MacLeod, 2011; Nicole Bush, 2009).
PAST WINNERS - ALDERTON FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR:
2014-Allyssa Ferrell (golf); 2013-Caroline Powers (golf) and Beth Rohl (track and field); 2012-Laura Heyboer (soccer) and Caroline Powers (golf); 2011-Emily MacLeod (cross country/track) and Caroline Powers (golf); 2010-Floor Rijpma (field hockey); 2009-Nicole Bush (cross country/track & field); 2008-Sara Brown (golf); 2007-Sara Brown (golf); 2006-Liz Shimek (basketball); 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: Mike Sadler (football)
On the field, Mike Sadler was a master of his craft and one of the greatest and most productive punters in program history. In the classroom, he achieved an ever rarer feat, becoming the first student-athlete at Michigan State to earn Academic All-America honors four times.
Sadler, a two-time first-team All-Big Ten selection (2012, 2013), finished his career ranked among MSU's all-time leaders in punts (second with 268), punting yards (second with 11,307) and punting average (sixth at 42.2). A valuable weapon on special teams, he placed 39 percent of his career punts inside the 20 (104-of-268) and 21 percent inside the 10 (56-of-268).
Sadler earned first-team Academic All-America honors in 2013 and 2014 and second-team accolades in 2011 and 2012. In addition to becoming MSU's first-ever four-time honoree, he also is just the third Spartan (Dean Altobelli, 1985-86; Steve Wasylk, 1992-93) and 34th Big Ten football player to earn first-team Academic All-America honors twice.
A member of the 2014 National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete Class, Sadler was one of 17 finalists for the William V. Campbell Trophy, which is given to the nation's top scholar-athlete.
A native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Sadler graduated with a bachelor's degree in applied engineering sciences in May 2013 with a 3.97 grade-point average. He received his master's degree in public policy in May 2015 with a 3.84 graduate GPA.
To be eligible for the Academic All-America Team, a student-athlete must be a starter or important reserve with at least a 3.3 cumulative grade-point average (on a 4.0 scale) for his career. He also must have reached sophomore athletic and academic standing.
Sadler also was a four-time Academic All-Big Ten selection (2011-14) and a two-time Big Ten Distinguished Scholar (2012-13). He was presented the scholar-athlete award at the Spartan Academic Excellence Gala three consecutive years (2013-15) for having the highest GPA on the team for players who have reached at least junior academic status.
Sadler earned All-America status on the field during MSU's Big Ten and Rose Bowl Championship season in 2013, as he was named a first-team All-American by CBSSports.com and ESPN.com. Sadler ranked fourth in the Big Ten in punting with his 42.5-yard average and led the NCAA FBS with 24 punts downed inside the 10 and ranked tied for second with 33 inside the 20. An honorable mention All-Big Ten selection in 2014, he ranked seventh in the Big Ten in punting with his 41.2-yard average.
"I'm very excited and humbled to be named Michigan State's recipient of the Big Ten Medal of Honor," said Sadler. "There's a lot of history attached to this award and to have my named added to the list is truly special.
"I know that my football career will come to an end someday. I'm currently studying for law school, so I take comfort in knowing that I'm prepared for life after football.
"Coach Dantonio and his entire staff do a great job in providing the student-athletes with the opportunity to succeed in the classroom. After every football-related activity, the importance of academics was promoted in some way, shape or form. The student-athlete support staff also does a tremendous job in providing the necessary tools and resources to succeed in the academic arena. In this environment, if a student-athlete is willing to put in the work, the effort will pay off with a meaningful degree."
"We're extremely proud of Mike Sadler and everything he accomplished during his time at Michigan State," MSU head football coach Mark Dantonio said. "He was an incredibly talented punter, who was a valuable member of our team the past four years. He really played an integral role in all of our success and was a game-changer on special teams. What he accomplished in the classroom was historic. To be named an Academic All-American once is quite an honor, but to have the consistency and discipline to earn the honor four times is remarkable. Mike is most definitely deserving of this prestigious award."
Sadler becomes the 21st football player at MSU to win the Big Ten Conference Medal of Honor and the third under Dantonio (Kirk Cousins, 2012; Blair White, 2010).
PAST WINNERS - BIG TEN CONFERENCE MEDAL OF HONOR MALE WINNERS:
2014-Greg Wolfe (hockey); 2013-Jacob Jarzen (swimming and diving); 2012-Kirk Cousins (football); 2011-Brandon Eckerle (baseball); 2010-Blair White (football); 2009-Doug DeMartin (soccer); 2008-Drew Neitzel (basketball); 2007-Drew Stanton (football); 2006-Drew Stanton (football); 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); 1981-Jay Vincent (basketball); 1980-Mark Brammer (football); 1979-Gregory Kelser (basketball); 1978-Larry Bethea (football); 1977-Tyrone Willingham (football/baseball); 1976-Pat Milkovich (wrestling); 1975-Dennis Olmstead (hockey); 1974-Robert Cassleman (track); 1973-Kenneth Popejoy (track); 1972-Herb Washington (track); 1971-Thomas Muir (wrestling); 1970-Richard Saul (football); 1969-Allen Brenner (football); 1968-Dale Anderson (wrestling); 1967-Eugene Washington (football, track); 1966-Steve Juday (football); 1965-David Price (gymnastics); 1964-George (Pete) Gent (basketball); 1963-Richard Schloemer (fencing); 1962-Edward Ryan (football); 1961-William Reynolds (track/cross country); 1960-Stan Tarshis (gymnastics); 1959-Robert Anderegg (basketball); 1958-Robert Jasson (hockey); 1957-Selwyn Jones (track); 1956-Carl Nystrom (football); 1955-Kevan Gosper (track); 1954-Robert Hoke (wrestling); 1953-John Wilson (football); 1952-Orris Bender (wrestling); 1951-Everett Grandelius (football).
BIG TEN CONFERENCE MEDAL OF HONOR
(Presented to a male and female student-athlete at each conference institution for outstanding athletic and academic achievement)
FEMALE WINNER: Abby Barker (field hockey)
Abby Barker became just the fourth player in Spartan field hockey history to earn All-America honors three times after picking up second-team accolades as a senior in 2014. She was a second-team selection as a sophomore in 2012 and a third-team honoree as a junior in 2013.
Barker was the Spartans' leading scorer in 2014, tallying 14 goals, 12 assists, and 40 points, which ranked in the top five of the Big Ten in each of those categories. She earned first-team All-Big Ten honors for the second year in a row and was named to the All-West Region First Team for the third consecutive year.
After wrapping up her career as a four-year starter, Barker finished tied for fourth all-time at Michigan State in both goals (59) and points (136).
A three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection, she was named to the CoSIDA Academic All-District At-Large Team as a senior. The Columbus, Ohio, native is majoring in kinesiology and has a cumulative GPA of 3.83; she is expected to graduate in December. Barker was also recognized as a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar in 2013, and was honored as a member of the NFHCA National Academic Squad in 2011.
As a junior in 2013, Barker was named the Big Ten Tournament MVP after scoring five goals in three games to help the Spartans win the tournament championship and advance to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
"It's really exciting to receive this award," said Barker. "I think that it honors not only the accomplishments on the field but also takes in the consideration the hard work I've put in the classroom means a lot to me. Looking back on my journey, I came to Michigan State wanting to leave a legacy, so getting this award sums up my career in a positive way and validates that I reached my goals.
"First and foremost, I would like to thank my parents. With all of the practices they took me to and all of the support they've given me, it's been unbelievable. Also thanks to my siblings for driving my competitive spirit. On the field, I wouldn't have been able to do anything without my teammates behind me and setting me up. And definitely my coaches. I think of all my coaches, from Mrs. Thomas, who started our middle school program and got me started, to my club coaches and my high school coach, getting recruited by Rolf (van de Kerkhof), and then Coach (Knull) taking over (at MSU) and getting to work four years with her. I wouldn't have been able to accomplish this without their guidance, wisdom and inspiration."
"From her freshman year on, Abby has had a special impact on our program," said MSU field hockey head coach Helen Knull. "She played in just about every game during her career and was always a threat; she was our finisher and our goal scorer, and her teammates looked up to her for that. Mentally, she would put herself in position where she wanted the ball and wanted to win the game for us, but she was the same off the field. She was a phenomenal student and prided herself on having one of the best GPAs on the team. I think Abby exemplifies everything it means to be a student-athlete at Michigan State. You don't get many student-athletes who excel like she did on and off the field."
Barker is the fourth field hockey player to win the Big Ten Conference Medal of Honor (Kristen Henn, 2014; Veerle Goudswaard, 2005; Melissa Pryor, 1998).
PAST WINNERS - BIG TEN CONFERENCE MEDAL OF HONOR FEMALE WINNERS:
2014-Kristen Henn (field hockey); 2013-Caroline Powers (golf); 2012-Jenilee Rathje (volleyball); 2011-Aimee Neff (golf); 2010-Allyssa DeHaan (basketball); 2009-Sara Schmidt (rowing); 2008-Kate Burdick (rowing); 2007-Kristen Coleman (gymnastics); 2006-Liz Shimek (basketball); 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: Kori Moster, volleyball
Volleyball standout Kori Moster (Cincinnati, Ohio) is the recipient of the Chester Brewer Award. The award is given annually to a graduating senior for distinguished performance in athletics and scholarship, and for possessing a high degree of character, personality, competitive spirit and other leadership qualities which forecast a successful future. The award is named for Chester Brewer, Michigan Agricultural College's first full-time athletics director and one of the Spartans' most successful coaches, compiling impressive records in football, baseball and basketball. He is a member of the Michigan State Athletics Hall of Fame.
Moster, an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection in 2014, was the 2012 and 2013 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. Among the top players at her position in the country, Moster graduated with the Spartan career digs record (2,217), which ranks third all-time in Big Ten history. Moster averaged 4.62 digs per set as a senior, which ranked third in the Big Ten overall. She has held the school's career digs record since her junior season, and holds four of the top eight single-season dig performances in school history. Her 550 digs in 2015 ranked fourth among single-season MSU marks, as she led the Spartans into the NCAA Tournament for the fourth straight season, just the second time in program history that MSU had earned four consecutive at-large bids into the tournament.
Moster was a three-time Michigan State captain, and three times earned AVCA All-America honors, including honorable mention recognition after her final season. She also earned team MVP honors and was a senior CLASS Award finalist. A two-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree and a 2014 Big Ten Distinugished Scholar, Moster graduated in May with a degree in advertising. She was a three-year member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), serving as the group's president as a senior.
Moster's achievement and leadership qualities also provided her opportunities on the national stage. After her senior season, she participated in the USA Volleyball Winter Training Block under the direction of Karch Kiraly, head coach of the U.S. Women's National Team. She also participated in the USA Volleyball A2 program after her sophomore season, and was a member of the U.S. Collegiate National Team which toured China in June 2014.
"I'm very humbled and honored to receive the Chester Brewer Award," said Moster. "I feel that in so many ways, I received so much more out of my time as a student-athlete than I ever dreamed was possible. I want to thank the selection committee, the volleyball staff, and all of my teammates for an amazing ride over the last four years. This experience has been one that I cherish, and I'm incredibly proud to be a Spartan."
"Kori was an athlete who was a program-changer," said volleyball head coach Cathy George. "She came in and helped us develop a culture that we felt was very important in taking our next step as a program. She was able to both lead her team to four NCAA Tournaments and two Sweet 16 appearances, as well as compile an impressive amount of well-deserved personal accolades not only on the court, but also as a leader in the student-athlete community and in the classroom. We are incredibly proud of what she has accomplished, as well as thankful for the mark she left on our program."
Moster is the fifth volleyball player to win the Brewer Award (Kristen Kelsay, 2014: Dana Cooke, 1997; Courtney DeBolt, 1996; Becky Belanger, 1991).
PAST WINNERS - CHESTER BREWER LEADERSHIP AWARD:
2014-Kristen Kelsay (volleyball); 2013-Caroline Powers (golf); 2012-Kirk Cousins (football); 2011-Brandon Eckerle (baseball); 2010-Kelly Moffitt (gymnastics); 2009-Jeff Lerg (hockey); 2008-Ryan Brehm (golf); 2007-Taren James (track and field); 2006-R.J. Boudro (wrestling); 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); 1981-Ray Stachowicz (football); 1980-Terry Donnelly (basketball); 1979-Rodger Bastien (baseball); 1978-Jeff Rudolph (gymnastics); 1977-Gary Domagalski (golf); 1976-Thomas Ross (hockey); 1975-No Award Presented; 1974-Val Washington (lacrosse); 1973-Jerry Sackmann (baseball); 1972-Greg Johnson (wrestling); 1971-Kim Hartman (cross country/track); 1970-Ronald Saul (football); 1969-Toby Towson (gymnastics); 1968-John Bailey (basketball/golf); 1967-Gary Dilley (swimming); 1966-Payton Fuller (soccer), James Curzi (gymnastics); 1965-Douglas Roberts (hockey/football); 1964-Sherman Lewis (track/football); 1963-George Azar (football/baseball); 1962-Stephen Johnson (gymnastics); 1961-William Steuart (swimming); 1960-Crawford "Forddy" Kennedy (cross country/track); 1959-Sam Williams (football); 1958-Dave Lean (track/cross country); 1957-Pat Wilson (football/basketball); 1956-Earl Morrall (football/baseball); 1955-John Matsock (football/baseball); 1954-Tom Yewcic (football/baseball); 1953-Bert McLachlan (swimming); 1952-Robert Carey (football/track/basketball); 1951-Everett Grandelius (football).
DR. JAMES FEURIG ACHIEVEMENT & SERVICE AWARD
(Presented to a male or female graduating senior involved in athletics as a competitor 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: Ryan Keener (soccer)
Ryan Keener achieved All-America honors in the classroom and made a positive impact on the community all while helping the Michigan State men's soccer program reach elite status on the field.
Named to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team in 2011, Keener went on to become a three-year Academic All-Big Ten honoree and Big Ten Distinguished Scholar. In 2014, he capped off his career earning second-team All-Big Ten and first-team Academic All-America honors, becoming only the second Spartan in program history to receive the recognition. He was also a two-time NSCAA All-Region Scholar and received the team's scholar-athlete award at the Spartan Academic Excellence Gala twice.
Keener ended the 2014 campaign starting 22 of MSU's 23 matches, scoring two goals for four points. He helped the Spartans finish the season ranked No. 8 in the NSCAA rankings, as MSU advanced to the Elite Eight for the second straight season. Keener led the defensive line, holding opponents to only 19 goals and totaling 13 shutouts. A four-year starter, Keener totaled six goals and six assists as a Spartan and was named the team's recipient of the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award in 2014.
Off the field, Keener was a part of the Michigan State Student-Athlete Advisory Committee from 2012-14. He was also public relations director of the MSU Pre-dental Club. In addition, he was very involved in the community of East Lansing, including working with the Boys and Girls Club and the City Rescue Mission.
"I'm honored to be chosen as a recipient of the Dr. James Feurig Award," said Keener. "I'm proud of my achievements both on and off the soccer field during my years at MSU. An award like this would not have been possible without the support I have received from my family, teammates and the athletic department as a whole. I would like to thank the whole Spartan community."
"We're extremely proud of Ryan," said MSU men's soccer head coach Damon Rensing. "I think it's very fitting that Ryan receives the Feurig Award as he is somebody that has combined to excel equally on the field, in the classroom, and in the community. The neat thing about Ryan is that he's a fierce and tough competitor, one that has played with stitches above his eye, battled the best forwards in the country, and helped us achieve high success as a program. And yet when you meet him off the field and see him act while serving the community, you think of him as a kind person who puts others in front of himself. That's what makes him special."
Keener, who is the first men's soccer player to receive the Feurig Award, will attend dental school at the University of Michigan in the fall. He graduated in December 2014 with a 3.94 GPA in kinesiology. Last month, Keener was one of 29 student-athletes in the conference to earn a Big Ten postgraduate scholarship. He also earned a postgraduate scholarship from the NCAA in April. Student-athletes who earned the Big Ten postgraduate scholarship must have maintained at least a 3.2 grade-point-average, demonstrated leadership qualities, served as an excellent role model and intended to continue their academic work beyond their bachelor's degree at a graduate degree program.
FEURIG ACHIEVEMENT & SERVICE AWARD PAST WINNERS:
2014-Kristen Kelsay (volleyball); 2013-Kevin Jackson (track and field); 2012-Jenilee Rathje (volleyball); 2011-Jenilee Rathje (volleyball); 2010-Ross Weaver (football); 2009-Katlyn Roggensack (gymnastics); 2008-Matthew McNichols (swimming & diving); 2007-John Masters (football); 2006-Taren James (track and field); 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); 1981-Ivan Merritt (gymnastics); 1980-Michael Longaker (basketball); 1979-Kevin Willitts (lacrosse); 1978-Joan Garety (golf); 1977-Herb Lindsay (track/cross country).
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: David Zoltowski (swimming and diving)
FEMALE WINNER: Becky Stiles (field hockey)
Players Mentioned
