ROCHESTER, NY – On Sunday the athletics department held the first-ever all athlete banquet at the Glazer Music Performance Center on campus. After many years of hosting an end of the year banquet just for seniors, the department made the decision to include all-student athletes as a way to honor the great accomplishments from the year. Additionally, seniors from each of the teams were recognized on stage throughout the ceremony.
For those who were unable to watch the ceremony live,
the livestream can be viewed here.
Check out photos from the night.
The idea was brought forth by cross country and track and field head coach
James Goss and quickly embraced by the department.
For the non-senior awards, there were 11 categories in which winners were selected. Each team was responsible for submitting nominations on behalf of their squad. Four Student Advisory Committee, along with Sport Information and Assistant Athletics Director Jeff Rahmlow and Assistant Sports Information Director, Kelly Vergin selected the winners. There winners were:
Comeback athlete of the year
Grace Lanzetta (women's soccer)
Raphael Provencher (men's hockey)
Rookie of the Year
Brielle Reidinger (women's basketball)
Michael Puglisi (men's track and field)
Sophomore of the Year
Elizabeth Deck (women's swimming and diving)
Cade Eells (men's XC/track and field)
Junior of the Year
Julia Holmes (women's hockey)
Owen Wickens (men's volleyball)
Fifth Year of the Year
Brenna Johnson (women's track and field)
Jonathan Park (men's basketball)
Best Social Media Post of the Year
Women's Hockey (celebrity crush video)
Jake Miller (Naz Athletics feature video)
Female and Male Team Coach of the Year
Chris Baudo (women's hockey)
James Goss (men's track and field)
Best Multi-Sport Athlete
Sarah Simmons (softball/women's basketball)
Nathan Allen (tennis/volleyball)
Best play
Julia Holmes (women's hockey) double overtime goal vs Utica in UCHC Championship
Matthew Farrington (men's lacrosse) – game-winning goal vs Brockport as time expires
Best record-setting performance
Danielle Caringi – Hole-in-one (women's golf)
Logan Tobias (men's hockey) – goals in a season
Best Team
Female – women's hockey
Male – men's track and field
Senior Award Winners
Emily Haskins Inspirational Award
Presented for athletic achievement as well as inspiration to others. The award is named after former Nazareth soccer player Emily Haskins, who died unexpectedly.
Female winner –
Sarah Merriwether (women's soccer and track and field)
Male winner –
Nathan Allen (tennis and volleyball)
Bill Carey Sportsmanship Award
Named for former Nazareth College Athletic Director and Hall of Famer, Bill Carey, who retired in 1998 after 18 years with Nazareth. The award recognizes athletic achievement as well as fair play and commitment to team concepts.
Female winner –
Sara Joerger (dance)
Male winner –
Kyle Richardson (men's swimming and diving)
Jeff Van Gundy Award
Named for former Nazareth basketball standout and Sports Hall of Famer Jeff Van Gundy, who was renowned for his work ethic and passion for his team and for his school. The award recognizes those characteristics as well commitment to Nazareth athletics in and out of season.
Female winner –
Makenna Wiljanen (women's hockey)
Male winner –
Kaleb Luton (men's track and field)
Kidera Scholar-Athlete Award
Named after former Nazareth College President Robert A. Kidera, who spearheaded the growth of the Nazareth athletic program during his tenure from 1976 through 1984. Award recipients must: be a senior with a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 or above; display character and leadership in campus activities; be a member in good standing on a varsity team.
Female Winners –
Emma States (women's lacrosse),
Emily Daciw (softball)
Male Winners –
Henry McKinney (men's hockey),
Nathan Bowers (XC/Track and Field)
