April 9, 2014
DEKALB, Ill. – Northern Illinois Athletics’ fifth annual awards banquet “The Victors” is set for Monday, April 28 at 8 p.m. CT at the historic Egyptian Theatre in downtown DeKalb. Huskie fans are invited to join in celebrating the accomplishments of NIU student-athletes at the red-carpet event; tickets are available now by calling 815-753-1923 or visiting EgyptianTheatre.org, the cost is $20.
Tickets will also be available at the door the night of The Victors, doors will open at 6:45 p.m. The Egyptian Theatre is located at 135 North Second Street in DeKalb.
An all-sports, ESPY-style awards show, “The Victors” will feature live performances, musical numbers and awards presentations by several NIU student-athletes and staff. A total of 26 awards will be handed out, including male and female athlete of the year, newcomer of the year and coach of the year, along with Mr. and Ms. Victor E. Huskie, an award given to student-athletes who represent a commitment to developing as a champion in the classroom, in competition and in life. Results for the 2013 spring, 2013 fall and 2013-14 winter sports were considered in the nominations.
NIU coaches nominated student-athletes for the awards and that list is narrowed down to the finalists in each category by members of the Huskie Athletics Student Services Committee. Winners for the awards will be selected by a vote from each team and each office within the athletic department. Once again this year, fans will be able to participate in selecting the play of the year award by voting at NIUHuskies.com. The play of the year nominees will be announced next week.
The following is a list of 2014 award finalists:
Newcomer of the Year (Male)
Aaric Armstead, Men’s Basketball
Simon Formont, Men’s Tennis
Tommy Hook, Baseball
Shaun'Qae McMurtry, Wrestling
Jamaal Payton, Football
Newcomer of the Year (Female)
Alex Elias, Women’s Soccer
Ally Lehman, Women’s Basketball
Megan Gilliam, Gymnastics
Mary Grace Kelly, Volleyball
Jenna Radtke, Volleyball
Community Service (Male)
Shawn Foley, Men’s Golf
Michael Gegner, Football
Connor Schomig, Baseball
Joe Windsor, Football
Community Service (Female)
Arantza De La Torre, Women’s Tennis
Taylor Ellett, Women’s Golf
Peyton Gunnison, Women’s Golf
Lauren Noonan, Women’s Soccer
Huskie Heart
Antone Christian, Men’s Basketball
Tyler Loos, Football
Danny Pulliam, Women’s Basketball
Lauren Zielinski, Volleyball
Huskie Pride
Paige Dacanay, Volleyball
Morgan Johnson, Gymnastics
Alex Morrow, Football
Connor Schomig, Baseball
Team of the Year (Male)
Baseball
Men's Basketball
Football
Men's Tennis
Team of the Year (Female)
Gymnastics
Softball
Volleyball
Athlete of the Year (Male)
Axel Lagerlof, Men’s Tennis
Jordan Lynch, Football
Alex Klonowski, Baseball
Jordan Threloff, Men’s Basketball
Athlete of the Year (Female)
Sarah Angelos, Volleyball
Amanda Corral, Women’s Basketball
Kim Gotlund, Gymnastics
Mackenzie Roddy, Volleyball
Amanda Sheppard, Softball
Nelle Youel, Women’s Tennis
Academic Excellence (Male)
Eli Anderson, Baseball
Dor Amir, Men’s Tennis
Shawn Foley, Men’s Golf
Dominique Ware, Football
Academic Excellence (Female)
Kim Gotlund, Gymnastics
Shelby Miller, Softball
Justine Schepler, Volleyball
Juliane Totzke, Cross Country
Huskie Vision
Natecia Augusta, Women’s Basketball
Derek Elmore, Wrestling
Isaac Kannah, Men’s Soccer
Jessica Sturm, Softball
Staff Excellence
Sam Baker
Ken Gasser
Kim Gatz
Judy Santacaterina
Coach of the Year (Male)
Rod Carey, Football
Patrick Fisher, Men’s Tennis
Ed Mathey, Baseball
Mark Montgomery, Men’s Basketball
Coach of the Year (Female)
Ray Gooden, Volleyball
Sam Morreale, Gymnastics
Christina Sutcliffe, Softball
Unsung Hero
Jamie Burr, Cross Country
Peyton Gunnison, Women’s Golf
Shane Rosenberry, Wrestling
Jenna Thorp, Women’s Basketball
Mr. Victor E. Huskie
Eli Anderson, Baseball
Dusty Page, Men’s Soccer
Jared Torrence, Wrestling
Jared Volk, Football
Ms. Victor E. Huskie
Kim Gotlund, Gymnastics
Courtney Ksiazek, Women’s Soccer
Shelby Miller, Softball
Justine Schepler, Volleyball
