The inaugural Taylor Skala Female Student-Athlete of the Year and Mark Sappington Male Student-Athlete of the Year awards were announced Friday at the Festival of Student Achievement Awards Ceremony at RU's Arrupe Auditorium.
Averi Vomastic received the Female Athlete of the Year award. Vomastic was a second team All-GLVC honoree last year, while leading the Hawks with 380 kills and 443.5 points. In addition to Vomastic, the female nominees were Logan Derosia, lacrosse; Daly Sullivan, basketball; and Calli Wibbenmeyer, softball.
Sam Lindahl was named the Male Student-Athlete of the Year. Lindahl, a five-year starter on the men's lacrosse team, has scored 150 goals and 249 points in his career. In addition to Lindahl, the male nominees were Connor Ellefson, baseball; Jack Junge, golf; and Nick Volz, basketball.
The Taylor Skala Female Student-Athlete of the Year and Mark Sappington Male Student-Athlete of the Year Award will be awarded annually to one female and one male student-athlete, based upon academic excellence, athletic ability and achievement, character, and leadership. The awards are chosen by a committee of athletic and academic faculty/staff.
The criteria includes: expired eligibility in the current academic year, demonstration of academic success, demonstration of athletic success, displayed high level of character and leadership traits, and involvement in campus and/or community engagement
Skala was a two-sport standout (soccer and basketball) at Rockhurst. Skala was a finalist for NCAA Woman of the Year, and she earned the GLVC's Paragon Award. She studied cell and molecular biology and graduated with honors. She earned multiple academic accolades, including Capital One Academic All-American. She was a member of multiple honor societies on campus and a leader among her peers.
Sappington was an All-American baseball player and exceptional student while at Rockhurst. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels in the fifth round of the 2012 MLB Amateur Draft, becoming the highest draft pick in the history of the Rockhurst baseball program. Not only was he a leader on his team, but his infectious personality made him popular and well revered across campus by staff, faculty, and all students. He received Academic All-GLVC honors every year during his career at Rockhurst.
Academic Awards presented to RU Student-Athletes:
Biology Scholar Award: Will Rudder, men's soccer; Reagan Dodd, women's basketball
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Biology Innovation Award: Erin Cushing, volleyball
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Charles M. Kovich Dramatist Award: Berkley Hays, volleyball
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Dean's Highest Honors and Delta Sigma Pi Key Award: Christine Corbin, women's lacrosse; Brooks Hanson, men's lacrosse
Living the Mission Emerging Student Leader Award: Jack Del Vecchio, men's cross country
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