April 26, 2006
Award Winners Photo Gallery | Award Winner Archive
GREELEY, Colo. - For the ninth consecutive year the University of Northern Colorado Department of Athletics capped its school year with its annual Student-Athlete Awards Celebration, as awards were handed out in a variety of categories on Wednesday, April 26.
Held in the Butler-Hancock Sports Pavilion and attended by nearly 400 student-athletes and honored guests, awards were given for sportsmanship, freshmen student-athletes of the year, outstanding male and female athletes of the year and outstanding senior male and female athletes of the year among others.
OUTSTANDING ATHLETES OF THE YEAR
Katie Schmitt - Swimming & Diving
A true freshman, Katie made her mark on the swimming & diving program breaking all-time school records in the 200 freestyle, 200 IM and 400 IM during her rookie campaign.
Reed Doughty - Football & Reece Hopkin - Wrestling
An unanimous All-American selection this season, Reed was a finalist for the Buck Buchannan Award, given to I-AA's Top Defensive Player. He led all of I-AA in tackles per game (14.45/game) as a senior and had double-digit tackles in 10 of 11 games during the year. He capped his career by ranking third in school history in career tackles (466), fifth in career interceptions (14) and eighth in career fumble recoveries (6). The epitome of a student-athlete, Doughty compiled a perfect 4.0 GPA, was the top vote-getter on the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-American team in 2005.
After redshirting a year ago, Hopkin returned to the mat with avengence in 2005-06. Reece compiled a 27-6 overall record at 197 pounds, including a 14-2 mark in dual matches. He defeated six opponents who qualified for the NCAA Championships and finished the season ranked 20th nationally in Division I.
SENIOR ATHLETES OF THE YEAR
Corrinne Chapin - Volleyball
Chapin earned Division I All-Independent honors for the second consecutive season in 2005. After winner Setter of the Year honors as a junior, she came back as a senior to average 11.38 assists, 2.80 digs, 0.96 kills and 0.74 blocks per game as a senior.
Reed Doughty - Football
An unanimous All-American selection this season, Reed was a finalist for the Buck Buchannan Award, given to I-AA's Top Defensive Player. He led all of I-AA in tackles per game (14.45/game) as a senior and had double-digit tackles in 10 of 11 games during the year. He capped his career by ranking third in school history in career tackles (466), fifth in career interceptions (14) and eighth in career fumble recoveries (6). The epitome of a student-athlete, Doughty compiled a perfect 4.0 GPA, was the top vote-getter on the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-American team in 2005.
FRESHMEN ATHLETES OF THE YEAR
Jabrenta Hubbard - Basketball
Jabrenta led the women's basketball team in scoring - 13.8 points per game, assists - 2.8 per game and steals - 1.9 per game - this season, helping the team to a 13-win season, including victories over Illinois and Marquette.
Patrick Berg - Track & Field
Despite being a newcomer to his team, Patrick serves as the throws team captain. He already ranks in the all-time top 10 in discus while also competing in shot put, hammer and javelin for the track and field team.
SPORTSMANSHIP AWARDS
Felicia Wacker - Track & Field
On of her team's top athletes, Felicia has battled injuries all season long. But that has not kept her away from the track, and she has been one of her teammates top supporters at every meet this season. She has also been a rock for the team in terms of academics, community service and overall leadership in her four years with the program.
Erik Olson - Basketball & Jahir Waterman, Football
A leader on and off the court, Erik has been instrumental in helping the Bears team stay on track during the tough times of the reclassification process. Off the court, Erik is very active in the Athletes in Action program.
According to his coach, Jahir "is an unquestionable leader both physically and spiritually, his academic success is without question and he has done a great job leading the team through the transition of coaches."
MAKING AN IMPACT
Making an Impact - Campus - Dean Jean Morrell
Dr. Morrell has seen many changes - the change in student-athletes as they elevate their game to Division I is one she welcomes with open arms. She has been on campus for 26 years, and was the first female Dean of Students. She is the chief disciplinarian on campus and has a passion unmatched by others for student activities and campus life. And she cares deeply about the student-athlete and the success of our sport programs at UNC.
Making an Impact - Community - Jean and Carrol SoRelle
BEAR DOWN AWARDS
Abby Mayne - Volleyball
Abby came to Northern Colorado as a walk-on and in two seasons has established herself as one of the toughest members of the team. After a solid freshman season, she capped the 2005 season by earning Division I Independent Co-Defensive Player of the Year honors.
Ryan Johnson - Wrestling
Although not the most talented wrestler on the mat, Ryan has an incredible work ethic and heart. He was cut from the team as a freshman only to rebound, re-make the team and become a valuable contributor to the squad this season.
BREAK THROUGH AWARDS
Cindy McCarroll - Basketball & Jessica Milligan, Softball
As a freshman, Cindy played only 3 minutes a game, but developed into a key contributer and leader for the Bears. As a senior, her 4-for-4 performance from 3-point range helped the Bears to an upset victory over Illinois.
After joining the team last season, Jessica suffered a potentially career-ending injury to her throwing hand. But after a year away from the diamond, Jessica has healed and become a key contributer in the Bears rotation.
Brennan Garr - Baseball
Brennan joined the Bears baseball team as a walk-on and finished last season as the runner-up for the Division I Independent Player of the Year Award. This season he etched his name in the program's all-time record book for most career saves.
BEARS GIVING BACK COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
Jon Pryor, Football & Bri Molloy, Athletic Training
All-BEAR TEAM
Female Winners
Megan Bellendir, Soccer
Jabrenta Hubbard, Basketball
Katie Schmitt, Swimming & Diving
Amanda Wiggins, Volleyball
Male Winners
Reed Doughty, Football
Brennan Garr, Baseball
Reece Hopkin, Wrestling
Tim Knight, Golf
