Michigan State Announces Major Athletic Award Winners
6/20/2017 12:00:00 AM | General
June 20, 2017 
GEORGE ALDERTON MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
(Presented to top male athlete of 2016-17)
WINNER: Tim Ehrhardt (track & field)
In just three seasons at Michigan State, redshirt junior Tim Ehrhardt has become one of the most accomplished Spartan track & field athletes. Overcoming injuries during the 2016 season, Ehrhardt rebounded to return to All-America status during the 2017 season.
A native of Addison, Illinois, Ehrhardt returned to form during the indoor season. Ehrhardt captured the Big Ten Championship with a vault of 5.49m (18-0). He was named an All-American after finishing fourth in pole vault at the NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships with a mark of 5.50 meters (18-0.5). The junior's amazing comeback continued in the outdoor season once again earning All-America honors in the grueling decathlon. Ehrhardt finished 14th with 7,455 points to garner second-team All-America accolades.
"With all the athletes at Michigan State, to be selected as the Alderton Award winner is wonderful," Ehrhardt said. "I didn't expect it at all; coming into college you don't have any expectations. When I had the injury, I wasn't sure how my body would react, but it actually happened pretty quickly. After taking a full year off, it was kind of hard to get back into competition, but it ended up working out better than I had expected.
"I really want to thank all the coaches, especially Coach (Ceith) Creekmur for getting me into this. He brought me to Michigan State. He took a chance on me. He helped bring me back from my injury. I also want to thank athletic trainers Renee Kleszczynski and Zach Mouaikel who helped me get back on track. I also couldn't have done this without my parents who come to every single meet and have always been so supportive of me."
The 2015 season was a breakout one for Ehrhardt, earning first-team All-America honors in the NCAA Championship in the decathlon, finishing fifth with 7,677 points. He was also the runner-up in the decathlon at the Big Ten Outdoor Championship. During the indoor season, he garnered his first Big Ten title in the pole vault, converting a mark of 5.37m (17-7.25).
With his solid performance in the indoor and outdoor season, Ehrhardt helped the Michigan State men finish as the No. 14 NCAA Division I Program of the Year by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) in 2017.
"This is really a special honor, considering the number of phenomenal athletes that come through Michigan State every year. For Tim to be considered the best male athlete is really special," MSU Director of Track & Field and Cross Country Walt Drenth said. "With his battle back from injuries, this makes it even more gratifying for him. Being one of the best pole vaulters in the country, it is certainly a well-earned honor, and one that he has worked for. I am proud that he is part of our program, and proud of him for his efforts."
Ehrhardt is just the fourth different track & field athlete to be named the George Alderton Male Athlete of the Year, joining Brad Gebauer (2006), Paul Terek (2002) and Anthony Hamm (1992).
PAST WINNERS - ALDERTON MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR:
2016-Denzel Valentine (basketball); 2015-Jake Hildebrand (hockey); 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 & field); 2005-Nick Simmons (wrestling); 2004-Jeff Smoker (football); 2003-Charles Rogers (football); 2002-Paul Terek (track & 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 & 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 2016-17)
CO-WINNER: Sarah Burnham (golf)
Sarah Burnham continued to establish herself as one of the best golfers in program history with an outstanding 2016-17 season. In leading the Spartans to the Big Ten Championship, Burnham became the fourth player in program history to be voted Big Ten Player of the Year. She also was named to the Women's Golf Coaches Association honorable mention All-America team for the second straight year.
"I am honored to be named the co-Alderton Award winner. It was honestly a huge surprise to me, just like the Big Ten Player of the Year award. I didn't believe I had the capability to achieve something like this, so it means a lot that I was chosen to be the MSU Co-Female Athlete of the Year," Burnham said. "With all that I have achieved so far, I am still continuing to surprise myself and that is what makes being an MSU athlete so fun."
"Having Sarah being named the George Alderton Co-Female Athlete of the Year is another tremendous honor for her," MSU head coach Stacy Slobodnik-Stoll said. "It's also great recognition for what she's doing for our program and Michigan State University. She's a great ambassador for us and we're all very proud of her. We're really looking forward to her senior year."
Burnham is the fifth different Spartan women's golfer to win the Alderton Award, joining Allyssa Ferrell (2014), Caroline Powers (2011, 2012, 2013), Sara Brown (2007, 2008) and Emily Bastel (2000, 2002). A Spartan women's golfer has now won the Alderton in five of the past seven years.
"It's a tribute to the program and I think it shows how hard the players are willing to work," Slobodnik-Stoll said. "We're very appreciative of everything our student-athletes do to try and be the best on the course and in the classroom. Hopefully this award is another testament to how hard they work."
Burnham ended 2016-17 with a 72.57 scoring average, which was second best in school history, behind only her record 72.42 last year.
Burnham finished three tournaments as runner-up, including the Mary Fossum Invitational (3-under-par 213), Lady Buckeye Invitational (2-over-par 218) and the Big Ten Championships (5-under-par 211). She was named Big Ten Golfer of the Week after both the Mary Fossum Invitational (Sept. 29) and Lady Buckeye Invitational (April 19).
Burnham put together one of the best rounds of the year by any collegiate golfer at the conference tournament where she recorded a school and Big Ten Championships record 9-under-par 63 in the second round. The score tied for the second-lowest round in NCAA women's golf this season and included 11 birdies, with six consecutive at one point on the front nine.
The native of Maple Grove, Minnesota, did her part to help the Spartans advance to the NCAA Championships as she placed 15th in the NCAA Athens Regional, helping MSU to a third-place showing.
Burnham finished the season by taking 24th at the NCAA Championships - 21 spots ahead of where she placed as a sophomore.
Burnham led MSU in even or under-par rounds (13), total birdies (112) and birdies per round (3.2). One of her best stretches of the season was from March 20 - May 9 where she shot 73 or better in 11 of 12 consecutive rounds.
PAST WINNERS - ALDERTON FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR:
2016-Aerial Powers (basketball); 2015-Leah O'Connor (cross country/track & field); 2014-Allyssa Ferrell (golf); 2013-Caroline Powers (golf) and Beth Rohl (track & field); 2012-Laura Heyboer (soccer) and Caroline Powers (golf); 2011-Emily MacLeod (cross country/track & field) 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).
GEORGE ALDERTON FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
(Presented to top female athlete of 2016-17)
CO-WINNER: Tori Jankoska (basketball)
Senior Tori Jankoska constantly re-wrote the MSU women's basketball record books during her four years as a Spartan, leaving her mark on Michigan State on and off the court.
Jankoska etched her name in the MSU record books during the 2016-17 season, earning honorable mention Associated Press and WBCA All-America honors. She was also named first-team All-Big Ten, which was her fourth all-conference honor.
"Michigan State gave me the best four years of my life. It has been an honor representing the best university in the world," said Jankoska. "I will always cherish being a Spartan. I really want to thank Coach Merchant and all the assistant coaches who have helped make me the player and person that I am today, as well as my amazing family who have been there through everything."
The Freeland, Michigan, native had a stellar senior campaign, becoming the MSU career scoring leader and the first Spartan women's basketball player to eclipse the 2,000-point mark, ending her career with 2,212 points. She also broke the Michigan State single-season scoring record with 746 points this season, which ranked second in the Big Ten. Jankoska broke Aerial Powers' single-season scoring average record, averaging 22.6 ppg. The senior also became Michigan State's all-time leader in 3-pointers made with 320 and free throws made with 478. She was also second in career assists with 489. A sharp-shooter from beyond the arc, Jankoska also broke the MSU single-season record for treys with 122.
"Since Tori was a little girl, she dreamed of being a Spartan," MSU head coach Suzy Merchant said. "She exemplifies everything that defines the `Spartans Will' mentality. Being named Michigan State's Female Athlete of the Year means more to Tori than any accolade she's been recognized with over the course of her four-year career. It couldn't be given to a more humble and grateful Spartan."
Jankoska had one of the best single-game performances in MSU history in a resounding win over No. 11 Ohio State on Jan. 10, 2017, setting the single-game and all-time scoring records in the same night. She netted 42 points in the game, breaking Maxann Reese's mark of 41 points on Jan. 29, 1999, against Iowa. She also passed Powers' career scoring record of 1,817, eventually becoming the first MSU women's basketball player to tally 2,000 points.
The guard became the seventh Spartan selected in the WNBA draft, when she was picked ninth overall by the Chicago Sky in April. She became the second-straight MSU player to be drafted in the first round after Aerial Powers was picked fifth in the 2016 WNBA Draft.
Jankoska is the fourth Spartan basketball player to be named the George Alderton Female Athlete of the Year, joining Aerial Powers (2016), Liz Shimek (2006) and Kristin Haynie (2005).
PAST WINNERS - ALDERTON FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR:
2016-Aerial Powers (basketball); 2015-Leah O'Connor (cross country/track & field); 2014-Allyssa Ferrell (golf); 2013-Caroline Powers (golf) and Beth Rohl (track & 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: Josiah Price (football)
Josiah Price was one of the most accomplished tight ends in Spartan football history, both on and off the field.
He finished his career with the most touchdown catches (21) by a tight end in Michigan State history, which also ranks fourth among all players in the school record book. Price's 104 career catches and 1,238 receiving yards also rank third most among Spartan tight ends. A two-time Big Ten Champion (2013, 2015), Price helped the Spartans to wins in the 2014 Rose Bowl and 2015 Cotton Bowl and a berth in the 2015 College Football Playoff. The four-year letterwinner played in 51 career games at MSU while making 25 starts.
Price closed out his record-setting Spartan career with a career-high 38 receptions for 387 yards and five touchdowns as a senior in 2016 to earn third-team All-Big Ten honors from the coaches for the second year in a row. His five TD catches were the most by a Big Ten tight end in the regular season and his 38 catches tied for second most by a Spartan tight end in a single season.
The Greentown, Indiana, native was also recognized throughout his senior season for his work off the field. He was named one of 11 semifinalists for the Wuerffel Trophy, known as "College Football's Premier Award for Community Service," and was selected as one of 30 nominees for the Senior CLASS Award. In addition, he was named a semifinalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy, which is awarded annually by the National Football Foundation to the nation's top scholar-athlete.
A four-time Academic All-Big Ten selection - one of just 25 in program history - Price graduated with a 3.65 grade-point average in December 2016 with a bachelor's degree in hospitality business. He also earned Big Ten Distinguished Scholar honors three times, and was a two-time recipient of the MSU Football Players Association Community Service Award (2015, 2016) and two-time nominee for the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team.
Price took full advantage of his educational opportunities at Michigan State, going on a mission trip to South Africa in 2013, studying abroad in Australia in 2015, and serving as one of the football team's representatives on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). At the annual Spartan Academic Excellence Gala in 2016, Price was named winner of the Gwendolyn Norrell Community Service and Leadership Award after he served as the SAAC community outreach committee chair in 2015-16.
"This is a huge honor and one that I'm incredibly humbled by," said Price. "To be mentioned with some of the names that have previously won this award is truly special. It's nice to be recognized for accomplishments both on and off the field, but it was most certainly a team effort by everyone at Michigan State that put me in a position to succeed. I want to thank all of the coaches for pushing me, the academic staff for their support, and everyone that helped me get out in the community.
"As I look back at my time in East Lansing, I cherish the moments that our teams were able to accomplish, from all of the comeback wins to the Big Ten Championships to winning the Rose Bowl. I'm just incredibly grateful that I was able to be a part of something so special."
"Josiah Price has excelled really in all areas, from the field to the classroom to the community," said MSU head football coach Mark Dantonio. "He's taken advantage of his opportunities by not only traveling around the world, but helping people while he's there. It's important to him and his family to make an impact on other people's lives. It's nice to see he has received recognition for his work off the football field, but by no means is that why he did those acts of service in the community. It's just the type of person he is. In the classroom, he balanced school and football and became one of just 25 players in program history to earn Academic All-Big Ten honors four times. In addition to studying abroad as a junior, he also worked at an internship over the summer last year before his final year in college. He has put in the time to be successful in all facets of his life."
Price becomes the 23rd football player at MSU to win the Big Ten Conference Medal of Honor and the fifth under Dantonio (Blair White, 2010; Kirk Cousins, 2012; Mike Sadler, 2015; Jack Allen, 2016).
PAST WINNERS - BIG TEN CONFERENCE MEDAL OF HONOR MALE WINNERS:
2016-Jack Allen (football); 2015-Mike Sadler (football); 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 & 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 & field); 1973-Kenneth Popejoy (track & field); 1972-Herb Washington (track & field); 1971-Thomas Muir (wrestling); 1970-Richard Saul (football); 1969-Allen Brenner (football); 1968-Dale Anderson (wrestling); 1967-Eugene Washington (football, track & field); 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 & field/cross country); 1960-Stan Tarshis (gymnastics); 1959-Robert Anderegg (basketball); 1958-Robert Jasson (hockey); 1957-Selwyn Jones (track & field); 1956-Carl Nystrom (football); 1955-Kevan Gosper (track & field); 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: Alexis Wiersma (cross country/track & field)
Alexis Wiersma's career at Michigan State University has been truly extraordinary on and off the track. A member of the 2014 NCAA National Championship women's cross country team and a 2015 NCAA All-American in cross country, Wiersma has simultaneously worked to balance a full academic course load and maintain a 3.956 cumulative GPA in marketing. In April, she was awarded the President's Award, which recognizes the male and female graduating senior with the highest cumulative GPA and who has exhausted their eligibility in the 2016-17 school year.
"I feel so honored and excited to have been chosen as this year's Medal of Honor recipient for MSU," Wiersma said. "My last five years representing Michigan State have been unforgettable. The people and the opportunities at this university are second to none, and they made my experience truly exceptional. I can't thank my family, coaches, or teammates enough for their guidance along this journey and for making it so memorable. I feel humbled, proud, and above all, blessed to carry the title of "Spartan" with me for a lifetime, wherever I go. Thank you to MSU and to the selection committee for this opportunity. Go Green forever!"
Wiersma rounded out her collegiate career in style, earning All-Region honors during the 2016 cross country season. She finished in fifth place at the Big Ten Championship, while taking sixth place in the Great Lakes Regional with a season-best time of 20:25.5. During the 2017 indoor season, she ran a career-best 9:16.10 in the 3,000 meters, while again taking fifth place at the Big Ten Championship. Wiersma finished fourth in the 10,000 meters in the Big Ten Outdoor Championship. She narrowly missed earning a trip to the NCAA Finals finishing at the NCAA East Prelims, finishing 13th with a time of 34:04.09, just five tenths of a second off the 12th-place finish needed to advance.
The native of Allendale, Michigan, earned All-America honors in the 10,000 meters in 2016. Wiersma also earned All-Big Ten, All-Region and All-America honors during the 2015 cross country season.
Her dedication to academics has earned her numerous accolades and honors, including being named a three-time Big Ten Distinguished Scholar and a three-time USTFCCCA All-Academic Cross Country and Track & field team member. Wiersma has also been involved in several community outreach initiatives, including the Lansing City Rescue Mission Infant and Child Care, March is Reading Month, Student-Athlete Food Drive and MSU Safe Place Run.
"I think that they designed the Big Ten Medal of Honor for people like Ali," MSU Director of Track & Field and Cross Country Walt Drenth said. "When you are a multiple time All-American and All-Big Ten and the President's Award winner for best GPA, that is sort of the role model for that award. It is such a rare and difficult honor to win that I am really excited for her."
Wiersma is the fifth recipient of the Conference Medal of Honor from the cross country/track & field program, joining Michelle cARSON (2004), Laura Bell (1995 & 1994), Misty Allison (1992) and Anne Pewe (1984).
PAST WINNERS - BIG TEN CONFERENCE MEDAL OF HONOR FEMALE WINNERS:
2016-Lisa Burt (gymnastics); 2015-Abby Barker (field hockey); 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: Dan Durkin (Baseball)
"The best leader I've ever had."
That's how Michigan State baseball head coach Jake Boss Jr., described Dan Durkin. Yet it wasn't the Spartan head coach who named him captain of the team for the 2017 season. No, that was from his teammates, who separately, one-by-one, came to Coach Boss and told him that they thought Durkin should be the captain, as there was no contest who was the leader of the team. The team members thought that Durkin should be not only just named captain, but wear a jersey with a "C" on it.
So at the 2017 First Pitch Dinner, where Boss previewed and introduced the 2017 team, he then announced and introduced Durkin as the team captain and presented Durkin with his number 9 jersey with a "C" sewn on it.
"It's one of the coolest things that's ever happened to me, if not the coolest," Durkin said at the time. "My teammates have always joked around about it and given me a hard time, but it's pretty sweet. It's definitely a huge honor, and I couldn't ask for a better honor from my teammates."
The Spartan second baseman was excited to hear he had received the Chester Brewer Leadership Award.
"I'm extremely honored to receive this award, especially with how this season was really special so this adds to that, and it's really cool," Durkin said. "Obviously my teammates play a big role in this as well. Without them, I definitely wouldn't have earned this recognition, so I definitely need to thank them. This is really a great honor, and I'm grateful for the people for voting for me for this award; it means a lot."
Durkin was also grateful for the many people around him who helped him throughout his time as a Spartan baseball player.
"I'd like to thank my parents, my family, Coach Boss and the entire coaching staff for letting me be the leader that I was and letting me do my thing," Durkin said.
Coach Boss returned the kudos, speaking highly of his second baseman and team captain.
"I've been very, very privileged to coach a lot of leaders during my coaching career, but Dan Durkin is by far the best leader that I've ever had," Boss said. "He certainly is extremely deserving of this award, and we're all very proud of him. I know he's excited to be recognized for his leadership."
This season, Durkin, a native of Tinley Park, Illinois, not only earned second-team All-Big Ten accolades, but was also the Spartans' recipient of the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award. The student-athletes chosen are individuals who have distinguished themselves through sportsmanship and ethical behavior. These student-athletes must also be in good academic standing and have demonstrated good citizenship outside of the sports-competition setting.
After the season, Durkin was also named co-recipient of the John Kobs Most Valuable Player for the MSU team awards, voted on by the team.
Off the field, Durkin is a leader as well, earning Academic All-Big Ten honors three times, the maximum number of times that a student-athlete can earn the conference academic accolade. Durkin will graduate in December with a degree in food industry management, currently holding a 3.2 GPA. After graduation, he will look to get a job in food industry management, now that his baseball career is done after Durkin recently announced he's hanging up his glove and spikes.
Durkin was MSU's starting second baseman for all 52 games, one of just two players to not only play, but start all 52 games during the 2017 season. He led B1G second basemen and ranked tied for ninth in the league overall with nine home runs, and also was first among B1G second basemen and was tied for 11th in the conference overall stats with 42 RBI. He also led B1G second basemen and ranked 12th in the conference overall with a .497 slugging percentage, and also was tops among the league's second basemen and ranked tied for second overall with 16 doubles. Durkin led the team and ranked tied for fifth in the B1G getting hit by a pitch 14 times.
Defensively, Durkin was sixth in the conference overall with 151 assists, and ranked tied for 13th in the league overall with 32 fielding double plays, including being part of an NCAA-high six double plays vs. Abilene Christian on Feb. 18. Durkin also was the middle part of turning the only triple play in the B1G this season, at Nebraska on May 13, one of 13 teams in the NCAA to chalk up a triple play.
The last two seasons, Durkin has not only played in every game, but started all 108 games over that time. Durkin finished his career playing in 147 games, starting 131. He hit .291 for his Spartan career, with 85 RBI, 15 HR, 28 doubles and 10 stolen bases.
In addition to becoming the ninth Spartan baseball player to earn the Brewer Award, Durkin is the second under Boss, joining Brandon Eckerle in 2011. Durkin is honored that this award will add to his legacy as a Spartan, and part of leaving his mark at Michigan State.
"It's awesome, I will always be able to go back and look at that forever, it's always going to be there at Michigan State," Durkin said. "In the future, I'll be able to show my kids and it will just be really special I think."
While Durkin's time as a Spartan player is done, his memories of being a Michigan State student-athlete will last forever and he will always be a proud Spartan.
"It was great," Durkin said. "You come here to Michigan State and you don't really understand what it means to put on the Green & White at first, but then you start to learn about the culture at Michigan State and you become a Spartan without even really noticing it. It just comes naturally and every time you put on the Green & White, you know you've got to go out and represent the best school in the country. I love doing it, and wish I could do it for many more years, but obviously that doesn't get to happen, but I've enjoyed my time here for sure."
PAST WINNERS - CHESTER BREWER LEADERSHIP AWARD:
2016-Jack Allen (football); 2015-Kori Moster (volleyball); 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 & 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 & field); 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 & field/football); 1963-George Azar (football/baseball); 1962-Stephen Johnson (gymnastics); 1961-William Steuart (swimming); 1960-Crawford "Forddy" Kennedy (cross country/track & field); 1959-Sam Williams (football); 1958-Dave Lean (cross country/track & field); 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 & field/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: Allyssah Fitterer (volleyball)
Allyssah Fitterer is perhaps the most decorated athlete from the volleyball program over her four years, and is the fourth member of the Spartan volleyball program to win the Feurig Award, a list which includes Kristen Kelsay (2013), Jenilee Rathje (2011, 2012) and Kelly Collister (1989).
"I am incredibly humbled and honored to be receiving the Dr. James Feurig Award," said Fitterer. "I first want to share my congratulations with the other award winners, as their accomplishments are not only impressive, but who they are as people is one of the things that makes Michigan State University and our athletics community such a wonderful place to be a part of for four years and to be associated with forever.
"As a kid, my family moved a lot and I quickly learned that I loved connecting with people - and that's why I came to Michigan State. Along with the historical success of the athletic programs, the increasingly impressive academics, and the real relationship with the community, the authentic connection I felt here made me want to wear Green and White for four years.
"In these four years I've been surrounded by so many amazing people - classmates, university staff, coaches, professors, fans and fellow student athletes - who I've authentically connected with. These are the people I value who inspire and motivate me every day to train hard, offer help often and be a smiling face. It's my goal to be that motivation and inspiration to those around me. "
"Allyssah Fitterer is not only a talented volleyball player, but also an amazing and unique individual," said Michigan State head coach Cathy George. "She exemplifies the qualities the award represents with her accomplishments as an athlete, her commitment to academic excellence, her engagement with others, and her interest in improving not only the Michigan State community, but the world around her as well. She has been truly grateful for the opportunities she has been afforded, and was quick to share that gratitude with her teammates and fellow student-athletes. She is an outstanding representative of our program and Michigan State University."
Fitterer, a native of Georgetown, Ontario, three times earned Honorable Mention AVCA All-North Region honors, and twice earned Academic All-Big Ten honors. She was named a recipient of a team award three times in her career: Most Improved Player (2013), Most Inspirational Player (2014) and the Extra Mile Award (2016). She helped her team to four consecutive NCAA Tournament bids, including a 2013 Sweet Sixteen appearance (where she earned All-Tournament Team honors in the Lexington regional) and hosting the first and second rounds in 2016.
As a senior, she led the Spartans with a .361 hitting percentage, which was sixth in the Big Ten and 45th nationally; it also ranked sixth all-time in the MSU single-season annals. She was named the team's Sportsmanship Award winner back in November, as one of more than 350 students honored throughout the academic year who had displayed positive sportsmanship. In June, Fitterer was chosen as MSU's female Big Ten Sportsmanship Award winner for the 2016-17 academic year.
Off the court, Fitterer was a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, as well as helping her team participate in Teams for Toys, a program where each varsity squad adopts a needy family in the greater Lansing area during the holidays. In addition, she participated in a Habitat for Humanity build, Run for the Cure, Girls Get Going, and the Student-Athlete field drive in addition to volunteering at the Children's Miracle Network Telethon.
Fitterer maintained a 3.344 cumulative grade-point average as a creative advertising major, and will continue her education in the fall at the University of Hawai'i, where she will pursue a postgraduate degree in communication with a concentration in media and advertising. While at Hawai'i, she will compete for one season in beach volleyball for the Rainbow Wahine.
PAST WINNERS - DR. JAMES FEURIG ACHIEVEMENT & SERVICE AWARD
2016-Sarah Kovan (soccer); 2015-Ryan Keener (soccer); 2014-Kristen Kelsay (volleyball); 2013-Kevin Jackson (track & 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 & 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 & field/cross country).
Seven 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 2016-17.
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 coaches selected the winners.
Track & field redshirt junior Tim Ehrhardt (Addison, Illinois) was named the George Alderton Male Athlete of the Year, while junior golfer Sarah Burnham (Maple Grove, Minnesota) and senior Tori Jankoska (Freeland, Michigan) of the women's basketball team share George Alderton Female Co-Athletes of the Year honors.
Ehrhardt won a Big Ten Championship in the indoor pole vault, and earned All-America honors at the NCAA Championships during both the indoor (pole vault) and outdoor (decathlon) seasons.
Burnham was named Big Ten Player of the Year after leading the Spartans to a Big Ten Women's Golf Championship, finishing second as an individual. She also earned honorable mention All-America honors at the NCAA Championships, finishing 24th. Jankoska was a first-team All-Big Ten honoree during her record-setting senior campaign. She set a MSU single-season scoring record with 746 points, and became the first Spartan woman to eclipse the 2,000-point mark (2,212) for her career, while also establishing career marks for made 3-pointers and free throws. Like Burnham, Jankoska earned honorable mention All-America accolades.
Senior tight end Josiah Price (Greentown, Indiana) and cross country/track & field redshirt senior Alexis Wiersma (Allendale, Michigan) 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 second baseman Dan Durkin (Tinley Park, Illinois) from the baseball team was named the recipient of the Chester Brewer Leadership Award.
Volleyball senior Allyssah Fitterer (Georgetown, Ontario) captured the Dr. James Feurig Achievement and Service Award.
AWARD - WINNER
George Alderton Male Athlete of the Year - Tim Ehrhardt (track & field)
George Alderton Female Co-Athletes of the Year - Sarah Burnham (golf) / Tori Jankoska (basketball)
Big Ten Conference Medal of Honor (Male) - Josiah Price (football)
Big Ten Conference Medal of Honor (Female) - Alexis Wiersma (cross country/track & field)
Chester Brewer Leadership Award - Dan Durkin (baseball)
Dr. James Feurig Achievement and Service Award - Allyssah Fitterer (volleyball)
GEORGE ALDERTON MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
(Presented to top male athlete of 2016-17)
WINNER: Tim Ehrhardt (track & field)
In just three seasons at Michigan State, redshirt junior Tim Ehrhardt has become one of the most accomplished Spartan track & field athletes. Overcoming injuries during the 2016 season, Ehrhardt rebounded to return to All-America status during the 2017 season.
A native of Addison, Illinois, Ehrhardt returned to form during the indoor season. Ehrhardt captured the Big Ten Championship with a vault of 5.49m (18-0). He was named an All-American after finishing fourth in pole vault at the NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships with a mark of 5.50 meters (18-0.5). The junior's amazing comeback continued in the outdoor season once again earning All-America honors in the grueling decathlon. Ehrhardt finished 14th with 7,455 points to garner second-team All-America accolades.
"With all the athletes at Michigan State, to be selected as the Alderton Award winner is wonderful," Ehrhardt said. "I didn't expect it at all; coming into college you don't have any expectations. When I had the injury, I wasn't sure how my body would react, but it actually happened pretty quickly. After taking a full year off, it was kind of hard to get back into competition, but it ended up working out better than I had expected.
"I really want to thank all the coaches, especially Coach (Ceith) Creekmur for getting me into this. He brought me to Michigan State. He took a chance on me. He helped bring me back from my injury. I also want to thank athletic trainers Renee Kleszczynski and Zach Mouaikel who helped me get back on track. I also couldn't have done this without my parents who come to every single meet and have always been so supportive of me."
The 2015 season was a breakout one for Ehrhardt, earning first-team All-America honors in the NCAA Championship in the decathlon, finishing fifth with 7,677 points. He was also the runner-up in the decathlon at the Big Ten Outdoor Championship. During the indoor season, he garnered his first Big Ten title in the pole vault, converting a mark of 5.37m (17-7.25).
With his solid performance in the indoor and outdoor season, Ehrhardt helped the Michigan State men finish as the No. 14 NCAA Division I Program of the Year by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) in 2017.
"This is really a special honor, considering the number of phenomenal athletes that come through Michigan State every year. For Tim to be considered the best male athlete is really special," MSU Director of Track & Field and Cross Country Walt Drenth said. "With his battle back from injuries, this makes it even more gratifying for him. Being one of the best pole vaulters in the country, it is certainly a well-earned honor, and one that he has worked for. I am proud that he is part of our program, and proud of him for his efforts."
Ehrhardt is just the fourth different track & field athlete to be named the George Alderton Male Athlete of the Year, joining Brad Gebauer (2006), Paul Terek (2002) and Anthony Hamm (1992).
PAST WINNERS - ALDERTON MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR:
2016-Denzel Valentine (basketball); 2015-Jake Hildebrand (hockey); 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 & field); 2005-Nick Simmons (wrestling); 2004-Jeff Smoker (football); 2003-Charles Rogers (football); 2002-Paul Terek (track & 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 & 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 2016-17)
CO-WINNER: Sarah Burnham (golf)
Sarah Burnham continued to establish herself as one of the best golfers in program history with an outstanding 2016-17 season. In leading the Spartans to the Big Ten Championship, Burnham became the fourth player in program history to be voted Big Ten Player of the Year. She also was named to the Women's Golf Coaches Association honorable mention All-America team for the second straight year.
"I am honored to be named the co-Alderton Award winner. It was honestly a huge surprise to me, just like the Big Ten Player of the Year award. I didn't believe I had the capability to achieve something like this, so it means a lot that I was chosen to be the MSU Co-Female Athlete of the Year," Burnham said. "With all that I have achieved so far, I am still continuing to surprise myself and that is what makes being an MSU athlete so fun."
"Having Sarah being named the George Alderton Co-Female Athlete of the Year is another tremendous honor for her," MSU head coach Stacy Slobodnik-Stoll said. "It's also great recognition for what she's doing for our program and Michigan State University. She's a great ambassador for us and we're all very proud of her. We're really looking forward to her senior year."
Burnham is the fifth different Spartan women's golfer to win the Alderton Award, joining Allyssa Ferrell (2014), Caroline Powers (2011, 2012, 2013), Sara Brown (2007, 2008) and Emily Bastel (2000, 2002). A Spartan women's golfer has now won the Alderton in five of the past seven years.
"It's a tribute to the program and I think it shows how hard the players are willing to work," Slobodnik-Stoll said. "We're very appreciative of everything our student-athletes do to try and be the best on the course and in the classroom. Hopefully this award is another testament to how hard they work."
Burnham ended 2016-17 with a 72.57 scoring average, which was second best in school history, behind only her record 72.42 last year.
Burnham finished three tournaments as runner-up, including the Mary Fossum Invitational (3-under-par 213), Lady Buckeye Invitational (2-over-par 218) and the Big Ten Championships (5-under-par 211). She was named Big Ten Golfer of the Week after both the Mary Fossum Invitational (Sept. 29) and Lady Buckeye Invitational (April 19).
Burnham put together one of the best rounds of the year by any collegiate golfer at the conference tournament where she recorded a school and Big Ten Championships record 9-under-par 63 in the second round. The score tied for the second-lowest round in NCAA women's golf this season and included 11 birdies, with six consecutive at one point on the front nine.
The native of Maple Grove, Minnesota, did her part to help the Spartans advance to the NCAA Championships as she placed 15th in the NCAA Athens Regional, helping MSU to a third-place showing.
Burnham finished the season by taking 24th at the NCAA Championships - 21 spots ahead of where she placed as a sophomore.
Burnham led MSU in even or under-par rounds (13), total birdies (112) and birdies per round (3.2). One of her best stretches of the season was from March 20 - May 9 where she shot 73 or better in 11 of 12 consecutive rounds.
PAST WINNERS - ALDERTON FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR:
2016-Aerial Powers (basketball); 2015-Leah O'Connor (cross country/track & field); 2014-Allyssa Ferrell (golf); 2013-Caroline Powers (golf) and Beth Rohl (track & field); 2012-Laura Heyboer (soccer) and Caroline Powers (golf); 2011-Emily MacLeod (cross country/track & field) 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).
GEORGE ALDERTON FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
(Presented to top female athlete of 2016-17)
CO-WINNER: Tori Jankoska (basketball)
Senior Tori Jankoska constantly re-wrote the MSU women's basketball record books during her four years as a Spartan, leaving her mark on Michigan State on and off the court.
Jankoska etched her name in the MSU record books during the 2016-17 season, earning honorable mention Associated Press and WBCA All-America honors. She was also named first-team All-Big Ten, which was her fourth all-conference honor.
"Michigan State gave me the best four years of my life. It has been an honor representing the best university in the world," said Jankoska. "I will always cherish being a Spartan. I really want to thank Coach Merchant and all the assistant coaches who have helped make me the player and person that I am today, as well as my amazing family who have been there through everything."
The Freeland, Michigan, native had a stellar senior campaign, becoming the MSU career scoring leader and the first Spartan women's basketball player to eclipse the 2,000-point mark, ending her career with 2,212 points. She also broke the Michigan State single-season scoring record with 746 points this season, which ranked second in the Big Ten. Jankoska broke Aerial Powers' single-season scoring average record, averaging 22.6 ppg. The senior also became Michigan State's all-time leader in 3-pointers made with 320 and free throws made with 478. She was also second in career assists with 489. A sharp-shooter from beyond the arc, Jankoska also broke the MSU single-season record for treys with 122.
"Since Tori was a little girl, she dreamed of being a Spartan," MSU head coach Suzy Merchant said. "She exemplifies everything that defines the `Spartans Will' mentality. Being named Michigan State's Female Athlete of the Year means more to Tori than any accolade she's been recognized with over the course of her four-year career. It couldn't be given to a more humble and grateful Spartan."
Jankoska had one of the best single-game performances in MSU history in a resounding win over No. 11 Ohio State on Jan. 10, 2017, setting the single-game and all-time scoring records in the same night. She netted 42 points in the game, breaking Maxann Reese's mark of 41 points on Jan. 29, 1999, against Iowa. She also passed Powers' career scoring record of 1,817, eventually becoming the first MSU women's basketball player to tally 2,000 points.
The guard became the seventh Spartan selected in the WNBA draft, when she was picked ninth overall by the Chicago Sky in April. She became the second-straight MSU player to be drafted in the first round after Aerial Powers was picked fifth in the 2016 WNBA Draft.
Jankoska is the fourth Spartan basketball player to be named the George Alderton Female Athlete of the Year, joining Aerial Powers (2016), Liz Shimek (2006) and Kristin Haynie (2005).
PAST WINNERS - ALDERTON FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR:
2016-Aerial Powers (basketball); 2015-Leah O'Connor (cross country/track & field); 2014-Allyssa Ferrell (golf); 2013-Caroline Powers (golf) and Beth Rohl (track & 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: Josiah Price (football)
Josiah Price was one of the most accomplished tight ends in Spartan football history, both on and off the field.
He finished his career with the most touchdown catches (21) by a tight end in Michigan State history, which also ranks fourth among all players in the school record book. Price's 104 career catches and 1,238 receiving yards also rank third most among Spartan tight ends. A two-time Big Ten Champion (2013, 2015), Price helped the Spartans to wins in the 2014 Rose Bowl and 2015 Cotton Bowl and a berth in the 2015 College Football Playoff. The four-year letterwinner played in 51 career games at MSU while making 25 starts.
Price closed out his record-setting Spartan career with a career-high 38 receptions for 387 yards and five touchdowns as a senior in 2016 to earn third-team All-Big Ten honors from the coaches for the second year in a row. His five TD catches were the most by a Big Ten tight end in the regular season and his 38 catches tied for second most by a Spartan tight end in a single season.
The Greentown, Indiana, native was also recognized throughout his senior season for his work off the field. He was named one of 11 semifinalists for the Wuerffel Trophy, known as "College Football's Premier Award for Community Service," and was selected as one of 30 nominees for the Senior CLASS Award. In addition, he was named a semifinalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy, which is awarded annually by the National Football Foundation to the nation's top scholar-athlete.
A four-time Academic All-Big Ten selection - one of just 25 in program history - Price graduated with a 3.65 grade-point average in December 2016 with a bachelor's degree in hospitality business. He also earned Big Ten Distinguished Scholar honors three times, and was a two-time recipient of the MSU Football Players Association Community Service Award (2015, 2016) and two-time nominee for the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team.
Price took full advantage of his educational opportunities at Michigan State, going on a mission trip to South Africa in 2013, studying abroad in Australia in 2015, and serving as one of the football team's representatives on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). At the annual Spartan Academic Excellence Gala in 2016, Price was named winner of the Gwendolyn Norrell Community Service and Leadership Award after he served as the SAAC community outreach committee chair in 2015-16.
"This is a huge honor and one that I'm incredibly humbled by," said Price. "To be mentioned with some of the names that have previously won this award is truly special. It's nice to be recognized for accomplishments both on and off the field, but it was most certainly a team effort by everyone at Michigan State that put me in a position to succeed. I want to thank all of the coaches for pushing me, the academic staff for their support, and everyone that helped me get out in the community.
"As I look back at my time in East Lansing, I cherish the moments that our teams were able to accomplish, from all of the comeback wins to the Big Ten Championships to winning the Rose Bowl. I'm just incredibly grateful that I was able to be a part of something so special."
"Josiah Price has excelled really in all areas, from the field to the classroom to the community," said MSU head football coach Mark Dantonio. "He's taken advantage of his opportunities by not only traveling around the world, but helping people while he's there. It's important to him and his family to make an impact on other people's lives. It's nice to see he has received recognition for his work off the football field, but by no means is that why he did those acts of service in the community. It's just the type of person he is. In the classroom, he balanced school and football and became one of just 25 players in program history to earn Academic All-Big Ten honors four times. In addition to studying abroad as a junior, he also worked at an internship over the summer last year before his final year in college. He has put in the time to be successful in all facets of his life."
Price becomes the 23rd football player at MSU to win the Big Ten Conference Medal of Honor and the fifth under Dantonio (Blair White, 2010; Kirk Cousins, 2012; Mike Sadler, 2015; Jack Allen, 2016).
PAST WINNERS - BIG TEN CONFERENCE MEDAL OF HONOR MALE WINNERS:
2016-Jack Allen (football); 2015-Mike Sadler (football); 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 & 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 & field); 1973-Kenneth Popejoy (track & field); 1972-Herb Washington (track & field); 1971-Thomas Muir (wrestling); 1970-Richard Saul (football); 1969-Allen Brenner (football); 1968-Dale Anderson (wrestling); 1967-Eugene Washington (football, track & field); 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 & field/cross country); 1960-Stan Tarshis (gymnastics); 1959-Robert Anderegg (basketball); 1958-Robert Jasson (hockey); 1957-Selwyn Jones (track & field); 1956-Carl Nystrom (football); 1955-Kevan Gosper (track & field); 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: Alexis Wiersma (cross country/track & field)
Alexis Wiersma's career at Michigan State University has been truly extraordinary on and off the track. A member of the 2014 NCAA National Championship women's cross country team and a 2015 NCAA All-American in cross country, Wiersma has simultaneously worked to balance a full academic course load and maintain a 3.956 cumulative GPA in marketing. In April, she was awarded the President's Award, which recognizes the male and female graduating senior with the highest cumulative GPA and who has exhausted their eligibility in the 2016-17 school year.
"I feel so honored and excited to have been chosen as this year's Medal of Honor recipient for MSU," Wiersma said. "My last five years representing Michigan State have been unforgettable. The people and the opportunities at this university are second to none, and they made my experience truly exceptional. I can't thank my family, coaches, or teammates enough for their guidance along this journey and for making it so memorable. I feel humbled, proud, and above all, blessed to carry the title of "Spartan" with me for a lifetime, wherever I go. Thank you to MSU and to the selection committee for this opportunity. Go Green forever!"
Wiersma rounded out her collegiate career in style, earning All-Region honors during the 2016 cross country season. She finished in fifth place at the Big Ten Championship, while taking sixth place in the Great Lakes Regional with a season-best time of 20:25.5. During the 2017 indoor season, she ran a career-best 9:16.10 in the 3,000 meters, while again taking fifth place at the Big Ten Championship. Wiersma finished fourth in the 10,000 meters in the Big Ten Outdoor Championship. She narrowly missed earning a trip to the NCAA Finals finishing at the NCAA East Prelims, finishing 13th with a time of 34:04.09, just five tenths of a second off the 12th-place finish needed to advance.
The native of Allendale, Michigan, earned All-America honors in the 10,000 meters in 2016. Wiersma also earned All-Big Ten, All-Region and All-America honors during the 2015 cross country season.
Her dedication to academics has earned her numerous accolades and honors, including being named a three-time Big Ten Distinguished Scholar and a three-time USTFCCCA All-Academic Cross Country and Track & field team member. Wiersma has also been involved in several community outreach initiatives, including the Lansing City Rescue Mission Infant and Child Care, March is Reading Month, Student-Athlete Food Drive and MSU Safe Place Run.
"I think that they designed the Big Ten Medal of Honor for people like Ali," MSU Director of Track & Field and Cross Country Walt Drenth said. "When you are a multiple time All-American and All-Big Ten and the President's Award winner for best GPA, that is sort of the role model for that award. It is such a rare and difficult honor to win that I am really excited for her."
Wiersma is the fifth recipient of the Conference Medal of Honor from the cross country/track & field program, joining Michelle cARSON (2004), Laura Bell (1995 & 1994), Misty Allison (1992) and Anne Pewe (1984).
PAST WINNERS - BIG TEN CONFERENCE MEDAL OF HONOR FEMALE WINNERS:
2016-Lisa Burt (gymnastics); 2015-Abby Barker (field hockey); 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: Dan Durkin (Baseball)
"The best leader I've ever had."
That's how Michigan State baseball head coach Jake Boss Jr., described Dan Durkin. Yet it wasn't the Spartan head coach who named him captain of the team for the 2017 season. No, that was from his teammates, who separately, one-by-one, came to Coach Boss and told him that they thought Durkin should be the captain, as there was no contest who was the leader of the team. The team members thought that Durkin should be not only just named captain, but wear a jersey with a "C" on it.
So at the 2017 First Pitch Dinner, where Boss previewed and introduced the 2017 team, he then announced and introduced Durkin as the team captain and presented Durkin with his number 9 jersey with a "C" sewn on it.
"It's one of the coolest things that's ever happened to me, if not the coolest," Durkin said at the time. "My teammates have always joked around about it and given me a hard time, but it's pretty sweet. It's definitely a huge honor, and I couldn't ask for a better honor from my teammates."
The Spartan second baseman was excited to hear he had received the Chester Brewer Leadership Award.
"I'm extremely honored to receive this award, especially with how this season was really special so this adds to that, and it's really cool," Durkin said. "Obviously my teammates play a big role in this as well. Without them, I definitely wouldn't have earned this recognition, so I definitely need to thank them. This is really a great honor, and I'm grateful for the people for voting for me for this award; it means a lot."
Durkin was also grateful for the many people around him who helped him throughout his time as a Spartan baseball player.
"I'd like to thank my parents, my family, Coach Boss and the entire coaching staff for letting me be the leader that I was and letting me do my thing," Durkin said.
Coach Boss returned the kudos, speaking highly of his second baseman and team captain.
"I've been very, very privileged to coach a lot of leaders during my coaching career, but Dan Durkin is by far the best leader that I've ever had," Boss said. "He certainly is extremely deserving of this award, and we're all very proud of him. I know he's excited to be recognized for his leadership."
This season, Durkin, a native of Tinley Park, Illinois, not only earned second-team All-Big Ten accolades, but was also the Spartans' recipient of the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award. The student-athletes chosen are individuals who have distinguished themselves through sportsmanship and ethical behavior. These student-athletes must also be in good academic standing and have demonstrated good citizenship outside of the sports-competition setting.
After the season, Durkin was also named co-recipient of the John Kobs Most Valuable Player for the MSU team awards, voted on by the team.
Off the field, Durkin is a leader as well, earning Academic All-Big Ten honors three times, the maximum number of times that a student-athlete can earn the conference academic accolade. Durkin will graduate in December with a degree in food industry management, currently holding a 3.2 GPA. After graduation, he will look to get a job in food industry management, now that his baseball career is done after Durkin recently announced he's hanging up his glove and spikes.
Durkin was MSU's starting second baseman for all 52 games, one of just two players to not only play, but start all 52 games during the 2017 season. He led B1G second basemen and ranked tied for ninth in the league overall with nine home runs, and also was first among B1G second basemen and was tied for 11th in the conference overall stats with 42 RBI. He also led B1G second basemen and ranked 12th in the conference overall with a .497 slugging percentage, and also was tops among the league's second basemen and ranked tied for second overall with 16 doubles. Durkin led the team and ranked tied for fifth in the B1G getting hit by a pitch 14 times.
Defensively, Durkin was sixth in the conference overall with 151 assists, and ranked tied for 13th in the league overall with 32 fielding double plays, including being part of an NCAA-high six double plays vs. Abilene Christian on Feb. 18. Durkin also was the middle part of turning the only triple play in the B1G this season, at Nebraska on May 13, one of 13 teams in the NCAA to chalk up a triple play.
The last two seasons, Durkin has not only played in every game, but started all 108 games over that time. Durkin finished his career playing in 147 games, starting 131. He hit .291 for his Spartan career, with 85 RBI, 15 HR, 28 doubles and 10 stolen bases.
In addition to becoming the ninth Spartan baseball player to earn the Brewer Award, Durkin is the second under Boss, joining Brandon Eckerle in 2011. Durkin is honored that this award will add to his legacy as a Spartan, and part of leaving his mark at Michigan State.
"It's awesome, I will always be able to go back and look at that forever, it's always going to be there at Michigan State," Durkin said. "In the future, I'll be able to show my kids and it will just be really special I think."
While Durkin's time as a Spartan player is done, his memories of being a Michigan State student-athlete will last forever and he will always be a proud Spartan.
"It was great," Durkin said. "You come here to Michigan State and you don't really understand what it means to put on the Green & White at first, but then you start to learn about the culture at Michigan State and you become a Spartan without even really noticing it. It just comes naturally and every time you put on the Green & White, you know you've got to go out and represent the best school in the country. I love doing it, and wish I could do it for many more years, but obviously that doesn't get to happen, but I've enjoyed my time here for sure."
PAST WINNERS - CHESTER BREWER LEADERSHIP AWARD:
2016-Jack Allen (football); 2015-Kori Moster (volleyball); 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 & 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 & field); 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 & field/football); 1963-George Azar (football/baseball); 1962-Stephen Johnson (gymnastics); 1961-William Steuart (swimming); 1960-Crawford "Forddy" Kennedy (cross country/track & field); 1959-Sam Williams (football); 1958-Dave Lean (cross country/track & field); 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 & field/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: Allyssah Fitterer (volleyball)
Allyssah Fitterer is perhaps the most decorated athlete from the volleyball program over her four years, and is the fourth member of the Spartan volleyball program to win the Feurig Award, a list which includes Kristen Kelsay (2013), Jenilee Rathje (2011, 2012) and Kelly Collister (1989).
"I am incredibly humbled and honored to be receiving the Dr. James Feurig Award," said Fitterer. "I first want to share my congratulations with the other award winners, as their accomplishments are not only impressive, but who they are as people is one of the things that makes Michigan State University and our athletics community such a wonderful place to be a part of for four years and to be associated with forever.
"As a kid, my family moved a lot and I quickly learned that I loved connecting with people - and that's why I came to Michigan State. Along with the historical success of the athletic programs, the increasingly impressive academics, and the real relationship with the community, the authentic connection I felt here made me want to wear Green and White for four years.
"In these four years I've been surrounded by so many amazing people - classmates, university staff, coaches, professors, fans and fellow student athletes - who I've authentically connected with. These are the people I value who inspire and motivate me every day to train hard, offer help often and be a smiling face. It's my goal to be that motivation and inspiration to those around me. "
"Allyssah Fitterer is not only a talented volleyball player, but also an amazing and unique individual," said Michigan State head coach Cathy George. "She exemplifies the qualities the award represents with her accomplishments as an athlete, her commitment to academic excellence, her engagement with others, and her interest in improving not only the Michigan State community, but the world around her as well. She has been truly grateful for the opportunities she has been afforded, and was quick to share that gratitude with her teammates and fellow student-athletes. She is an outstanding representative of our program and Michigan State University."
Fitterer, a native of Georgetown, Ontario, three times earned Honorable Mention AVCA All-North Region honors, and twice earned Academic All-Big Ten honors. She was named a recipient of a team award three times in her career: Most Improved Player (2013), Most Inspirational Player (2014) and the Extra Mile Award (2016). She helped her team to four consecutive NCAA Tournament bids, including a 2013 Sweet Sixteen appearance (where she earned All-Tournament Team honors in the Lexington regional) and hosting the first and second rounds in 2016.
As a senior, she led the Spartans with a .361 hitting percentage, which was sixth in the Big Ten and 45th nationally; it also ranked sixth all-time in the MSU single-season annals. She was named the team's Sportsmanship Award winner back in November, as one of more than 350 students honored throughout the academic year who had displayed positive sportsmanship. In June, Fitterer was chosen as MSU's female Big Ten Sportsmanship Award winner for the 2016-17 academic year.
Off the court, Fitterer was a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, as well as helping her team participate in Teams for Toys, a program where each varsity squad adopts a needy family in the greater Lansing area during the holidays. In addition, she participated in a Habitat for Humanity build, Run for the Cure, Girls Get Going, and the Student-Athlete field drive in addition to volunteering at the Children's Miracle Network Telethon.
Fitterer maintained a 3.344 cumulative grade-point average as a creative advertising major, and will continue her education in the fall at the University of Hawai'i, where she will pursue a postgraduate degree in communication with a concentration in media and advertising. While at Hawai'i, she will compete for one season in beach volleyball for the Rainbow Wahine.
PAST WINNERS - DR. JAMES FEURIG ACHIEVEMENT & SERVICE AWARD
2016-Sarah Kovan (soccer); 2015-Ryan Keener (soccer); 2014-Kristen Kelsay (volleyball); 2013-Kevin Jackson (track & 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 & 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 & field/cross country).
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2025 Varsity S Awards
Monday, September 15
2025 Hall of Fame - Caroline Powers Induction
Monday, September 15
2025 Hall of Fame - Kori Moster Induction
Monday, September 15
2025 Hall of Fame - Nick Simmons Induction
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