Rutgers University student-athletes Alyssa Bull and Ken Theobold were presented the prestigious Big Ten Medal of Honor Tuesday evening by Director of Athletics Pat Hobbs at the third annual RAwards at the Rutgers Athletic Center. The red carpet event recognized, via both awards and videos, the many accomplishments of the Scarlet Knights this season on the field, in the classroom and in the community.
“The accomplishments of our student-athletes are both exceptional and extensive,” said Hobbs. “We are fortunate to share these achievements on this very special evening. Tonight is not only about the many successes of 2016-17, but the impact that these young men and women will continue to have moving forward.”
This year marks the 103rd anniversary of the Big Ten Medal of Honor, awarded annually to one male and one female student-athlete from the graduating class of each member institution who have demonstrated excellence on and off the field throughout their college career. The conference’s most exclusive award was the first of its kind in intercollegiate athletics to recognize academic and athletic excellence.
Bull has been a fixture for the Scarlet Knights athletically, academically and in the community. A three-time team captain, she earned Second Team All-Big Ten and Big Ten All-Academic honors this season and also completed 115 hours of community service. Bull graduated last May with a major in Communication and a double minor in Digital Communication & Information Systems and Organizational Leadership, holding a 3.359 cumulative grade point average. She earned Dean’s List honors three times and was academic all-conference four times.
“Alyssa has consistently proven to be an outstanding athlete, wonderful teammate and exceptional leader,” said head field hockey coach Meredith Civico. “Every day she has shown determination and focus, driven by her belief in the program and its ability to compete on the Big Ten stage. Alyssa is everything a Rutgers student should be and everything a Big Ten athlete should be. I know of no one more deserving of this award.”
Theobold has made an impact on the mat, in the classroom and in the community. He capped his collegiate career by earning All-America status at the 2017 NCAA Wrestling Championships in St. Louis. A three-time SAAC member, he is an Embrace Kids Foundation liaison and Knights in Action Award Winner who has compiled 185 community service hours while maintaining a 3.134 cumulative grade point average as a Labor Studies & Employment Relations major.
“Kenny is proof that you don’t always need to be the blue chip recruit. It’s having a vision of what you are going to do, how to prepare, and how to live your life that really matters,” said head wrestling coach Scott Goodale. “Kenny has been an outstanding ambassador for our program and is the perfect example of what a student-athlete should strive to be during their collegiate career. I could not think of a better person for this prestigious award.”
Numerous awards were bestowed Tuesday evening, including the Bauer Male and Female Athlete of the Year. Wrestling’s Anthony Ashnault and women’s soccer’s Madison Tiernan earned the Bauer Awards, named in honor of beloved supporters William and Barbara Bauer.
2017 RAWARDS HONOREE BIOGRAPHIES:
KEN THEOBOLD (WRESTLING) – MALE BIG TEN MEDAL OF HONOR & SENIOR MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Theobold has made an impact on the mat, in the classroom and in the community He capped his collegiate career by earning All-America status at the 2017 NCAA Wrestling Championships in St. Louis. A three-time SAAC member, he is an Embrace Kids Foundation liaison and Knights in Action Award Winner who has compiled 185 community service hours while maintaining a 3.134 cumulative grade point average as a Labor Studies & Employment Relations major. The Toms River, New Jersey, native rattled off four wins at nationals this year, including a 9-3 upset of No. 2-seeded Anthony Collica of Oklahoma State, en route to a seventh-place finish. His performance gave Rutgers two All-Americans in back-to-back seasons for the first time in program history. A three-time NCAA Championships qualifier, Theobold finished his career with 88 victories, including 43 in dual action.
ALYSSA BULL (FIELD HOCKEY) – FEMALE BIG TEN MEDAL OF HONOR
Bull has been a fixture for the Scarlet Knights athletically, academically and in the community. A three-time team captain, she earned Second Team All-Big Ten and Big Ten All-Academic honors this season and also completed 115 hours of community service. Bull graduated last May with a major in Communication and a double minor in Digital Communication & Information Systems and Organizational Leadership, holding a 3.359 cumulative grade point average. She earned Dean’s List honors three times and was academic all-conference four times. Bull is currently enrolled in the graduate School of Communication and Information, earning her master’s degree in Library and Information Sciences. The Big East Rookie of the Year in 2012, she suffered a season-ending injury in the 2013 season opener. The Oakville, Ontario native returned as a team captain, a role she would secure for the remainder of her career. In 73 starts, Bull compiled 15 goals, 20 assists and 50 total points, finishing seventh all-time at Rutgers in assists.
MADISON TIERNAN (WOMEN’S SOCCER) – BAUER FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR & SENIOR FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
The senior captain helped the nationally-ranked women’s soccer team to its second straight Big Ten Championship final and fifth consecutive NCAA Tournament berth. She had a team-high 28 points on 11 goals and six assists to earn NSCAA Second Team All-Great Lakes Region and Second Team All-Big Ten honors in 2016. She concluded her RU career second all-time in shots (275), tied for fifth in game-winning goals (nine), sixth all-time in goals (25) and seventh all-time in points (66). Tiernan competes professionally for Sky Blue FC, after being selected 24th overall in the NWSL Draft.
ANTHONY ASHNAULT (WRESTLING) – BAUER MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR & JUNIOR MALE CO-ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Ashnault became the first three-time All-American in program history when he secured sixth place at the 2017 NCAA Championships after advancing to the semifinals in St. Louis. He achieved the feat on the heels of his second consecutive Big Ten, 141-pound, title courtesy of a 15-2 major decision over Michigan State’s John Gasca, Ashnault finished the 2016-17 campaign with a team-leading 30 victories. His efforts helped Rutgers to a 12-5 dual record, as the Scarlet Knights finished No. 12 nationally in the dual rankings. In his first three seasons as a Scarlet Knight, The South Plainfield, N.J. native has accumulated 91 wins, including 53 in dual action. Ashnault has now earned Bauer Male Athlete of the Year for the third straight year.
CHRISTOPHER MIRABELLI (MEN’S TRACK & FIELD) – CO-JUNIOR MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
In less than three seasons “On the Banks,” Mirabelli has distinguished himself as the top javelin thrower in program history. This past weekend, Mirabelli reset his school record with a throw of 76.67m (251’ 6”) to capture the javelin championship at the 123rdedition of the Penn Relays. The mark bested his previous RU record produced at the Metropolitan Championships on April 14, when he broke Chris Sagnella’s 21-year-old school record with a toss of 76.20m (250’ 00”). A 2016 Big Ten Outdoor Champion and 2016 Second Team All-American in the javelin, Mirabelli currently owns the top throw in the Big Ten and third-overall distance nationally this season.
ADDISON WALKOWIAK (SWIMMING & DIVING) – JUNIOR FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Walkowiak cemented herself as one of the top divers in program history this season, resetting her school records in the 1-meter and 3-meter dives. A three-time NCAA qualifier, Walkowiak was one of five Scarlet Knights to secure spots at the 2017 NCAA Championships, the most for Rutgers in the past 10 seasons. At the 2017 Big Ten Championships, Walkowiak produced podium finishes in the 1-meter (sixth), 3-meter (sixth) and platform (eighth) dives. The Ballston Spa, New York, native also set school records in the 1-meter and 3-meter championship dives at the conference championships.
IZAIAH BROWN (MEN’S TRACK & FIELD) – SOPHOMORE MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
In less than two seasons in Piscataway, Brown has established himself as one of the top sprinters in the country. At this year’s Big Ten Indoor Championships, Brown defended his conference title in the 400m with a Rutgers and Big Ten Championships record of 45.32. The First Team All-Big Ten selection owned the second-fastest time nationally in the event heading into the NCAA Indoor Championships, and currently possesses the top outdoor mark in the Big Ten this year with a finish of 45.72. Brown was also a Second Team All-America selection in the 4x400m relay last outdoor season at the 2016 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.
VERA KOPRIVOVA (SWIMMING & DIVING) – SOPHOMORE FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Koprivova earned her place within the swimming and diving program’s record book when she touched the wall with a time of 1:53.74 in the 200 backstroke at the 2017 NCAA Championships. Koprivova also contributed to two relay school records this season at the Big Ten Championships in both the 400 freestyle and 400 medley relays. One of five NCAA qualifiers for the Scarlet Knights, Koprivova was named Big Ten Swimmer of the Week on Nov. 23 after she collected five NCAA B cuts, three first-place finishes and a pool record in the 400 medley relay during the Frank Elm Invitational at the RU Aquatics Center.
NICOLE WHITLEY (WOMEN’S SOCCER) – FRESHMAN FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
The 2016 Big Ten Conference Rookie of the Year, Whitley started all 23 matches and led the team with 10 assists, while also scoring three goals. She tallied the most assists for a freshman in Rutgers history and tied for the fifth-most overall in a single season. Her 10 assists tied for the lead among Big Ten players. She also earned Third Team All-Big Ten and Big Ten All-Freshman Team honors, while being named to TopDrawerSoccer.com’s Freshman Best XI Second Team.
KIERAN MULLINS (MEN’S LACROSSE) – FRESHMAN MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR:
In his first year as a Scarlet Knight, Kieran Mullins quickly became a dynamic offense weapon and earned Second Team All-Big Ten honors. The Islip, N.Y. native led Rutgers with 35 goals and added 16 assists for a team-best 51 points. He had the third most goals of any freshman in the nation. A three-time Big Ten Freshman of the Week, Mullins had nine multi-goal games, including a breakthrough performance with eight goals and an assist for a nine-point day that saw him earn national Player of the Week accolades. In the home finale, Mullins capped a hat trick with the game-winning goal in overtime to upset No. 3 Ohio State.
TEAM OF THE YEAR – WRESTLING
Rutgers continued to solidify its position as one of the nation’s premier wrestling programs in 2016-17. Two All-Americans, seven national qualifiers and a No. 12 final dual ranking made the Scarlet Knights’ mark upon the NCAA landscape. Rutgers closed the dual season with a 6-3 finish in Big Ten action and an undefeated 6-0 mark at home. The six conference wins marked the most since the Scarlet Knights joined the conference in 2014, while their No. 12 team ranking was the sixth top-25 finish during the Scott Goodale era. At nationals, Anthony Ashnault (sixth) and Ken Theobold (seventh) finished as All-Americans, giving RU two or more podium appearances in back-to-back seasons for the first time in program history.
KRYSTAL CANADY – VARSITY R AWARD (WOMEN’S BASKETBALL LETTERWINNER 1981-85)
The mission of the Varsity R Letterwinners Association is to help our varsity letter winners and coaching staffs stay connected to Rutgers Athletics and their sport specific programs in a way that is fun and impactful. The Varsity R Award is given to an outstanding member of the Rutgers Letterwinners community that has exemplified the true meaning of leadership, dedication, sacrifice and support to a meaningful cause.
GLEN “BEEF” GARDNER – TRUE GRIT AWARD
The winner of the inaugural True Grit Award, Glen Gardner, known as “Beef,” has displayed resiliency, toughness, and perseverance throughout his life. One of the most prolific hitters in Rutgers history, Gardner was a two-time All-America selection and, in 1997, was inducted into the Rutgers Athletics Hall of Fame. He ended his career as the program all-time leader in six offensive categories and ranked in the top 10 in several others. That led to being drafted before being struck in the eye by a batted ball, which ended a promising professional career. However, he continued in baseball by returning to Rutgers to become a nationally-renowned hitting instructor, raising the bar for Rutgers baseball. After 18 years as an assistant coach, Gardner moved to director of operations following being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. That has not stopped him, as Gardner continues to keep a positive attitude and is now in his 27th season on staff.
SHANNON DOLAN – SPIRIT PERFORMER OF THE YEAR
Shannon Dolan is a fifth-year senior, and captain of the 2016-2017 Rutgers Dance Team. Dolan has always been a solid performer with a strong and broad skill set, and helped lead the dance team to a 5th place national ranking at this year’s UDA College Nationals.
THOMAS CARR (MEN’S TRACK & FIELD) – COMEBACK ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
A 2015 Honorable Mention All-American in the javelin, Carr has continued to be one of the top scorers for the men’s track and field team after sitting out the 2016 outdoor season while rehabbing from elbow surgery. This season, the Voorhees, New Jersey, native owns the third-best distance (70.88m, 232’ 6”) in the Big Ten and 15th-overall mark nationally. Carr has finished second in four meets this outdoor season, with his throw of 232’ 6” at the USF Bulls Invitational in March, a personal record.
GAME OF THE YEAR – MEN’S LACROSSE DEFEATS NO. 3 OHIO STATE
Men’s lacrosse concluded its regular season in thrilling fashion, earning an overtime win over the nation’s number three ranked team, Ohio State. After regulation, the game was tied at 11, setting up sudden-death extra time. The Scarlet Knights won the opening faceoff to get first possession, and freshman Kieran Mullins put home the winning goal to spark the celebration. The victory was the highest ranked win for men’s lacrosse since 2003 and gave the team double-digit victories in back-to-back seasons for the first time in program history.
MALE GAME PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR – KEN THEOBOLD (WRESTLING)
Theobold registered one of the biggest upsets in program history at the 2017 Wrestling NCAA Championships, defeating No. 2-seeded Anthony Collica of Oklahoma State, 9-3, in the quarterfinals. Collica, who closed out the 2016-17 campaign with a 20-2 record, led Theobold 3-2 as the clocked ticked down in the third period. But Theobold forced sudden victory overtime with a last-second escape. Theobold then registered a takedown of Collica and added four back points for the win, which helped secure All-America status for the Toms River, New Jersey, native.
FEMALE GAME PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR – ADDISON WALKOWIAK (SWIMMING & DIVING)
In the swimming and diving team’s final dual of the season, Walkowiak helped RU to a 190-103 victory over Richmond on Jan. 28 with her two school records. Walkowiak shattered her school record in the 3-meter dive with a mark of 362.10, eclipsing her old program record of 348.55 set in 2015 by more than 13 points. The Ballston Spa, New York, native also broke her RU record in the 1-meter dive with her top score of 325.35. For her performance, Walkowiak was named Big Ten Diver of the Week.
MICHELLE GAO (ROWING) – RLA KNIGHTS IN ACTION AWARD
Gao is a four-year competitor for the rowing team. In her first two seasons, she was a member of the varsity four boat and spent the majority of her junior season rowing with the second varsity eight. In 2017, Gao has rowed exclusively with the varsity eight, appearing in five meets. Most recently, her boat earned a third-place finish in the Petite Finals at the Eastern Sprints. A two-time recipient of the RLA Knights in Action Award, Gao dedicated 269 hours to various community service initiatives, including the Scarlet Day of Service, Elijah’s Soup Kitchen and SAAC Toy Drive to name a few.
TRENT BRINKOFSKI (MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY & TRACK & FIELD) – RLA KNIGHTS IN ACTION AWARD
Brinkofski was a leader for the men’s cross country and track and field teams, both on and off the course. A two-time Big Ten Cross Country Athlete of the Week, Brinkofski has accumulated 318 hours of community service, which includes assistance with community cleanup in New Brunswick and other parts of Middlesex County. The Somerset, New Jersey, native helped RU earn USTFCCCA All-Academic status and was a 2016 Big Ten All-Academic selection.
WOMEN’S GOLF – TOP TEAM GRADE POINT AVERAGE
Under the leadership of head coach Kari Williams, women’s golf maintains a 3.59 grade point average to lead all programs for the second consecutive year. With three WGCA All-America Scholars on the roster in juniors Emily Mills and Tatum Jackson and sophomore Astrid Aneman, the team is poised to have four Big Ten All-Academic honorees this spring. With a perfect 1,000 multi-year rate for the past four years, women’s golf was one of four Rutgers programs to receive public recognition from the NCAA for its most recent multi-year Academic Progress Rate (APR) score. The team has also completed 139 community service hours thus far this year despite its limited roster size.
CHARLY SANTAGADO (GYMNASTICS) – HIGH ACADEMIC ACHIEVER AWARD:
Maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 3.967, Santagado earns the High Academic Achiever Award. The senior will graduate from the Honors College as a philosophy major with a triple minor in dance, music and creative writing. This year she completed her senior honors thesis as well as an Aresty Research Project called “Reading Squared: Tracing “Mind” Through Orwell’s 1984.” In addition, the four-time academic all-conference honoree is a member of Chi Alpha Sigma (The National Student-Athlete Honor Society). Santagado competed in 34 career meets for the Scarlet Knights and scored as high as 9.875 on floor exercise.
WOMEN’S SOCCER – RUTGERS LEADERSHIP ACADEMY TEAM CUP AWARD
Under the leadership of head coach Mike O’Neill, Rutgers women’s soccer rose to the challenge in the classroom and the community. Eight Scarlet Knights were named Big Ten All-Academic this fall, contributing to a 3.190 cumulative team grade point average. The most recent Big Ten Distinguished Scholar list, highlighting student-athletes with a minimum GPA of 3.7 or higher for the previous academic year, featured seven women’s soccer players. Four team members are National Scholar-Athlete Honor Society members and two are enrolled in the Honors College. This past fall, 74 percent of the team earned a semester GPA of 3.0 or higher. The team also volunteers time to multiple community service projects and has totaled 283 service hours thus far this academic year.
RUTGERS LEADERSHIP ACADEMY AWARD WINNERS (2016)
Emma Hoffman (gymnastics) and Steve Hillenbrand (men’s lacrosse)
Awarded to the student athlete who demonstrates excellent leadership qualities in their community, university and sport. Student-athletes receive points for academics, university, personal, athletics and community.
DAVID A. “SONNY” WERBLIN AWARD WINNERS (2016)
Anthony Ashnault (Wrestling), Scott Bieda (Men’s Lacrosse), Izaiah Brown (Men’s Track & Field), Corey Crawford (Men’s Track & Field), Rajee Dunbar (Men’s Track & Field), Gabrielle Farquharson (Women’s Track & Field), Jermaine Griffith (Men’s Track & Field), Calvin Knox (Men’s Track & Field), Christopher Mirabelli (Men’s Track & Field), Casey Murphy (Women’s Soccer), Anthony Perrotti (Wrestling), Brianne Reed (Women’s Soccer), Zack Sikora (Men’s Lacrosse), Erica Skroski (Women’s Soccer)
Awarded to a male or female student-athlete who, either as an individual or member of a team, received national recognition or has won a national championship during the most recent academic year (2015-16).
HEADLEY-SINGER AWARD WINNER (2016)
Gabrielle Farquharson (Women’s Track & Field)
Awarded annually to a member of the most recent graduating class (May, 2016) who, throughout her career at the University, demonstrated the following characteristics: has participated in the intercollegiate athletics program and proved herself to be an athlete of outstanding ability, and who has shown determination, courage, modesty, and self-discipline, and who, with unselfish devotion to her teammates and generous fairness to her opponents, has represented Rutgers University to the highest of standards.
COURSEN TROPHY WINNERS (2016)
Corey Crawford (Men’s Track & Field), Gabrielle Farquharson (Women’s Track & Field)
Awarded annually to a member of the most recent graduating class (May, 2016) who, throughout his career at the University, demonstrated the following characteristics: has participated in the intercollegiate athletics program and proved himself to be an athlete of outstanding ability, and has shown determination, courage, modesty and self-discipline and who, with unselfish devotion to his teammates and generous fairness to his opponents, has represented Rutgers University to the highest of standards.
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