EAST LANSING, Michigan -- Five Michigan State University student-athletes have been recognized for excellence on the playing field, in the classroom and in the community, earning the school's highest athletic awards for 2019-20.
The awards include the George Alderton Male and Female Athletes of the Year, Big Ten Conference Medals of Honor, Chester Brewer Leadership Award and Dr. James Feurig Achievement and Service Award. A panel of administrators and coaches selected the winners.
Men's basketball senior
Cassius Winston (Detroit, Michigan) was named the George Alderton Male Athlete of the Year, while sophomore golfer
Valery Plata (Floridablanca, Columbia) and redshirt senior cross country/track & field athlete Annie Fuller (Ludington, Michigan) shared George Alderton Female Co-Athletes of the Year honors.
Winston was a consensus Second Team All-American, earning second team honors from The Sporting News, the Associated Press, the National Association of Basketball Coaches and the United States Basketball Writers Association, and was a First Team All-Big Ten selection by the media and coaches.
Plata was named the Big Ten Golfer of the Year, earning honorable mention All-American honors from the Women's Golf Coaches Association (WGCA) and was a First Team All-Big Ten selection. Fuller led the cross country team to the Big Ten Championship in 2019 and was a two-time All-American, earning the honors in cross country and in the distance medley relay during the indoor track and field season.
Winston and gymnastics senior
Gabriella Douglas (Toronto, Ontario) were named Michigan State's recipients for the Big Ten Conference Medal of Honor. The Big Ten Conference's most exclusive award was the first of its kind in intercollegiate athletics to recognize academic and athletic excellence. The Big Ten Medal of Honor was first awarded in 1915 to one student-athlete from the graduating class of each university who had "attained the greatest proficiency in athletics and scholastic work."
Douglas was also the recipient of the Chester Brewer Leadership Award.
Men's swimming senior Scott Piper (Naperville, Illinois) was named the Dr. James Feurig Achievement and Service Award recipient.
AWARD – WINNER
George Alderton Male Athlete of the Year –
Cassius Winston (basketball)
George Alderton Female Co-Athletes of the Year –
Valery Plata (golf)/ Annie Fuller (cross country/track & field)
Big Ten Conference Medal of Honor (Male) –
Cassius Winston (basketball)
Big Ten Conference Medal of Honor (Female) –
Gabriella Douglas (gymnastics)
Chester Brewer Leadership Award –
Gabriella Douglas (gymnastics)
Dr. James Feurig Achievement and Service Award – Scott Piper (swimming)
GEORGE ALDERTON MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
(Presented to top male athlete of 2019-20)
WINNER: Cassius Winston (basketball)
Cassius Winston becomes the first male Spartan athlete to win the Alderton and Big Ten Medal of Honor in the same season, and just the fifth overall at MSU. Four women (Misty Allison, 1992, Carrie Carpenter, 1999, Liz Shimek, 2006; and
Caroline Powers, 2013) have also done it. It's the first time it has happened for a Spartan male student-athlete in the 39 years since the Alderton Award was first presented in 1982.
In doing so, Winston is one of six different Michigan State student-athletes to be named the George Alderton Male Athlete of the Year twice, including one of two basketball players (Mateen Cleaves).
"The time I've spent at Michigan State will be with me forever and it is overwhelming for me to win these awards among all of my classmates," Winston said. "I don't regret my decision to come to Michigan State at all because I achieved everything I could as a player and a student. I didn't know what this journey would bring me, but I embraced every step of it. It has been an amazing journey and it's a great honor to be mentioned with some of the great names in Michigan State history."
Winston earned Consensus Second Team All-American honors by the NCAA for the second-straight year as he helped the Spartans win at least a share of the Big Ten Regular Season Championship for the third-straight year.
In being named a Consensus All-American for the second time, Winston is just the second player in Michigan State history to earn multiple consensus honors (joining Mateen Cleaves, who was a three-time honoree). Winston was tabbed a second team All-American by the Associated Press, The Sporting News, the United States Basketball Writers Association (USBWA) and the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC).
A native of Detroit, Michigan, he was also selected to the Wooden Award All-American Team and was an All-Big Ten Conference First Team pick by the media and the coaches.
Winston led Michigan State, and ranked third in the Big Ten, in scoring with 18.6 points per game and was fourth in the league with 5.9 assists. He led the league in 3-point field goal percentage (43.2%), was second in the Big Ten in free throw percentage (85.2%), eighth in field goal percentage (44.8%) and tied for seventh in the league in steals (1.2). He was one of just seven Division I players averaging at least 18.0 points, 5.5 assists and 2.0 rebounds per game
"
Cassius Winston is one of the best basketball players I've coached at Michigan State and these are tremendous honors for him," Head Coach
Tom Izzo said. "He entered this year with a lot of expectations after his success as a junior and he continued to play at an elite level. To do what he did this year while also dealing with great personal tragedy on a national stage was beyond comprehension. Through it all this year, Cassius continued to be an All-American college student-athlete. He is everything you want as a student and a leader.
"To be recognized as the best at Michigan State among a very talented group of individuals is impressive. He puts himself in a special category of Michigan State athletes in winning these two awards and it adds even more to the legacy he is leaving here."
When he handed out four assists against Wisconsin on Jan. 17, Winston moved past Cleaves as the all-time leader for career assists at Michigan State and in the Big Ten Conference.
Winston was also selected as a semifinalist for the 90th Amateur Athletic Union's (AAU) James E. Sullivan Award, presented to the nation's best amateur athlete, was named a 2019-20 Senior CLASS Award® All-American, recognizing his achievements in four areas of excellence: community, classroom, character and competition. He earned first team All-American honors from NCAA March Madness, was a second team selection by NBCSports.com and The Athletic and was selected to the USBWA All-District V team and to the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) First Team in District 7.
Winston is among nine different basketball players to be named the recipient (11 total honors).
PAST WINNERS - ALDERTON MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR:
2019-
Cassius Winston (basketball); 2018-
Miles Bridges (basketball) and Tim Ehrhardt (track & field); 2017-Tim Ehrhardt (track & field); 2016-Denzel Valentine (basketball); 2015-Jake Hildebrand (hockey); 2014-Darqueze Dennard (football); 2013-Le'Veon Bell (football); 2012-Draymond Green (basketball); 2011-Greg Jones (football); 2010-Greg Jones (football); 2009-Franklin Gomez (wrestling); 2008-Jeff Lerg (hockey); 2007-Jeff Lerg (hockey); 2006-Brad Gebauer (track & field); 2005-Nick Simmons (wrestling); 2004-Jeff Smoker (football); 2003-Charles Rogers (football); 2002-Paul Terek (track & field); 2001-Ryan Miller (hockey); 2000-Mateen Cleaves (basketball); 1999-Mateen Cleaves (basketball) and Mike York (hockey); 1998-Chad Alban (hockey); 1997-Reid Friedrichs (soccer); 1996-David Morgan (wrestling); 1995-Shawn Respert (basketball); 1994-Emilio Collins (wrestling); 1993-Bryan Smolinski (hockey); 1992-Anthony Hamm (cross country/track & field); 1991-Steve Smith (basketball); 1990-Kip Miller (hockey) and Percy Snow (football); 1989-Bobby Reynolds (hockey); 1988-Todd Krumm (football/baseball); 1987-Don McSween (hockey); 1986-Mike Donnelly (hockey), Lorenzo White (football), Scott Skiles (basketball); 1985-Sam Vincent (basketball); 1984-Carl Banks (football); 1983-Ron Scott (hockey); 1982-Ron Scott (hockey).
GEORGE ALDERTON FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
(Presented to top female athlete of 2019-20)
CO-WINNER: Annie Fuller (cross country/track & field)
Being a successful collegiate distance runner requires focus, strength and perseverance. Senior Annie Fuller demonstrated all those things as she came back from several injuries throughout her Spartan cross country and track & field career.
The beginning of Fuller's collegiate career wasn't anything like she had expected, as she experienced several injuries. Fuller then tore her meniscus in 2017 which required months of rehab.
A native of Ludington, Michigan, Fuller wouldn't let that setback deter her as she made her return to the course during the 2018 season and never looked back. She became a two-time All-American on the cross country course and led her team to the cross country Big Ten Championship in 2019.
"I am beyond humbled and thankful to receive such an award amongst so many talented and committed Spartan athletes. I am especially honored to share this award with an athlete as talented as Valery," Fuller said. "My experience as a student-athlete at Michigan State has given me the opportunity to be part of a program much bigger than myself, while sharing special moments that come from shared commitments with teammates and remembering these achievements that we share as a group. For that reason, this recognition wouldn't be possible without my teammates, coaches, trainers and family who believe in me, even when I struggle to believe in myself."
"Certainly, the award is a culmination of a lot of things that she's done. I think her perseverance is remarkable, and her talent is obvious," MSU Director of Track & Field and Cross Country
Walt Drenth said. "But it's hard work and perseverance that probably got her to a point where she can be considered for this award, and then to actually win it. She is certainly talented; untalented people do not win this award, but to be able to have knee surgery and all the things that she's endured to get to this point I think is pretty remarkable. It is a testament again to her work ethic, obviously her talent and her perseverance."
Competing against the best distance runners in the nation, Fuller placed third at the Big Ten Championships in November to earn first-team All-Big Ten accolades for the first time in her career. Fuller's efforts led the Spartan women's cross country team to win the Big Ten title for the first time since 2015.
Two weeks later, the Spartans were named the NCAA Great Lakes Regional Champions with all five scoring runners placing in the top-19, led by Fuller who placed second overall with her career-best time of 20:01.1.
Earning their 19th-consecutive bid to the NCAA Championships, the Spartan women placed sixth overall at the championships. Despite the rain and muddy course in Terre Haute, Indiana, Fuller was named an All-American for the second-consecutive season, finishing 34th.
On the track, Fuller qualified for the 2020 NCAA Indoor Championships with the women's distance medley relay team that earned silver at the Big Ten Championships. Despite the cancellation of the NCAA Championships due to COVID-19, Fuller was named an All-American in the distance medley relay, based on the start lists for the event from times throughout the season.
"First of all, I have an outstanding coaching staff that have nurtured and really pushed to put the value in culture and hard work and high expectations. But at the end of the day, it all rests on the shoulders of the student-athletes because if they don't buy what we're asking them to buy, it doesn't go anywhere," Drenth said. "To see that there's a long list of track and field student-athletes that have won this award, it is a testament to the expectations that they all bring and sustain, while they are with us."
Fuller is the 11th different track & field athlete to be named the George Alderton Female Athlete of the Year, joining last year's recipient Asya Reynolds (2019), Leah O'Connor (2015), Beth Rohl (2013), Jamie Krzyminski (2004 and 2003), Sevatheda Fynes (1997), Misty Allison (1992), Odessa Smalls (1987), Judi Brown (1983) and Molly Brennan (1982).
GEORGE ALDERTON FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
(Presented to top female athlete of 2019-20)
CO-WINNER: Valery Plata (golf)
For the fourth consecutive year, a Spartan golfer has won at least a share of the Alderton Award with sophomore
Valery Plata becoming the latest to garner the honor. Plata's selection marks the eighth time in the last 10 years a Spartan women's golfer has won the Alderton Award. Overall, it's the 12th time in program history a women's golfer has claimed the accolade.
On a team that finished in the top three of all but one tournament and ended the shortened season ranked 16th in the nation, Plata garnered a host of impressive individual accolades. She was one of two Spartans to be named a Women's Golf Coaches Association (WGCA) honorable mention All-American and became the third player from Michigan State in the last four seasons to be voted the Big Ten Golfer of the Year. Plata's First Team All-Big Ten selection gave the Spartans four all-league honorees for the first time in program history.
"Winning this award means a lot to me, I am extremely thankful and happy to be a female student-athlete at Michigan State and to be recognized as the co-athlete of the year is truly an honor," Plata said. "Knowing that I am joining a list of great athletes and some of the best players in the women's golf program that have received this award makes it very special. I want to thank my family, Coach Stacy and Coach Caroline, my teammates and coaches from back home – without their support none of what I have accomplished as a student-athlete would be possible."
"We're really excited for Valery – it was a breakout year," MSU head coach
Stacy Slobodnik-Stoll said. "Being named an All-American, Big Ten Player of the Year and the Alderton co-winner is quite a list of accomplishments for a sophomore. We're very happy for her and the future for her as a Spartan."
Plata began her stellar season with her best career finish – second – at the Spartans' Mary Fossum Invitational in late September. The next time out, her record performance led Michigan State to its biggest victory of the season at the prestigious Ruth's Chris Tar Heel Invitational. Plata carded the second lowest 54-hole tournament total in school history as her 11-under-par 205 (69-68-68) led her to the individual title and helped the Spartans to the team crown, outdueling a field that included second-ranked Wake Forest, 2019 national champion Duke, ninth-ranked Arkansas and a total of seven teams in the top 20.
"Year after year that's one of the biggest and best tournaments in the country. In beating a field loaded with some of the best players in the nation, Valery was able to join an elite group," Slobodnik-Stoll said. "Winning that tournament was a special moment for our team because it marked the 10-year anniversary of our first win there. Valery winning individually made it even more awesome."
In all, Plata finished in the top 20 in all but one tournament in 2019-20. The native of Floridablanca, Colombia, started the spring taking 12th place at the UCF Challenge at 3-under-par 213, again helping the Spartans to another strong finish as runners-up.
In MSU's last competition of the 2019-20 season, Plata finished first in a spring break duel with No. 9 Florida on March 2.
Plata ended the year as the team leader in stroke average at 72.37 and had more rounds under par – 10 – than any other Spartan.
PAST WINNERS - ALDERTON FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR:
2019-Asya Reynolds (track & field) and Ally Geer-Park (golf); 2018-
Sarah Burnham (golf); 2017-
Sarah Burnham (golf) and Tori Jankoska (basketball); 2016-Aerial Powers (basketball); 2015-Leah O'Connor (cross country/track & field); 2014-Allyssa Ferrell (golf); 2013-
Caroline Powers (golf) and Beth Rohl (track & field); 2012-Laura Heyboer (soccer) and
Caroline Powers (golf); 2011-Emily MacLeod (cross country/track & field) and
Caroline Powers (golf); 2010-Floor Rijpma (field hockey); 2009-Nicole Bush (cross country/track & field); 2008-Sara Brown (golf); 2007-Sara Brown (golf); 2006-Liz Shimek (basketball); 2005-
Kristin Haynie (basketball); 2004-Jamie Krzyminski (cross country/track & field); 2003-Michelle Carson (cross country) and Jamie Krzyminski (cross country/track & field); 2002-Emily Bastel (golf); 2001-Summer Mitchell (swimming & diving); 2000-Emily Bastel (golf); 1999-Carrie Carpenter (softball); 1998-Jill Lusher (field hockey); 1997-Sevatheda Fynes (track & field); 1996-Val Sterk (volleyball); 1995-Karen Winslow (soccer); 1994-Susan Francis (track & field); 1993-Jodi Blotcher (gymnastics); 1992-Misty Allison (cross country/track & field); 1991-Julie Farrell-Ovenhouse (swimming & diving); 1990-Julie Farrell (swimming & diving); 1989-Julie Farrell (swimming & diving); 1988-Michelle Ingalls (gymnastics); 1987-Odessa Smalls (track & field); 1986-Mary Schoenle (swimming & diving); 1985-Kelly Becker (volleyball); 1984-Deanne Moore (softball); 1983-Judi Brown (track & field); 1982-Molly Brennan (track & field).
BIG TEN CONFERENCE MEDAL OF HONOR
(Presented to a male and female student-athlete at each conference institution for outstanding athletic and academic achievement)
WINNER: Cassius Winston (basketball)
(See above)
PAST WINNERS - BIG TEN CONFERENCE MEDAL OF HONOR MALE WINNERS:
2019-Khari Willis (football); 2018-Jimmy Fiscus (soccer); 2017-Josiah Price (football); 2016-Jack Allen (football); 2015-Mike Sadler (football); 2014-Greg Wolfe (hockey); 2013-Jacob Jarzen (swimming and diving); 2012-Kirk Cousins (football); 2011-Brandon Eckerle (baseball); 2010-Blair White (football); 2009-Doug DeMartin (soccer); 2008-Drew Neitzel (basketball); 2007-Drew Stanton (football); 2006-Drew Stanton (football); 2005-Chris Hill (basketball); 2004-Steve Manz (track & field); 2003-Tyler Robinson (soccer); 2002-Josh Thornhill (football); 2001-Shaun Mason (football); 2000-Shawn Horcoff (hockey); 1999-Steve Schell (cross country/track & field); 1998-Tyler Harlton (hockey); 1997-Tyler Harlton (hockey); 1996-Brian Picklo (wrestling); 1995-Emilio Collins (wrestling); 1994-Steve Wasylk (football); 1993-Dave Smith (cross country/track & field); 1992-Stuart Hirschman (baseball); 1991-Walt Bartels (hockey); 1990-Walt Bartels (hockey); 1989-
Danton Cole (hockey); 1988-Michael Davidson (baseball); 1987-Dean Altobelli (football); 1986-Don McSween (hockey); 1985-Carlton Evans (lacrosse); 1984-Kelly Miller (hockey); 1983-Michael Brown (swimming & diving); 1982-Morten Andersen (football); 1981-Jay Vincent (basketball); 1980-Mark Brammer (football); 1979-Gregory Kelser (basketball); 1978-Larry Bethea (football); 1977-Tyrone Willingham (football/baseball); 1976-Pat Milkovich (wrestling); 1975-Dennis Olmstead (hockey); 1974-Robert Cassleman (track & field); 1973-Kenneth Popejoy (track & field); 1972-Herb Washington (track & field); 1971-Thomas Muir (wrestling); 1970-Richard Saul (football); 1969-Allen Brenner (football); 1968-Dale Anderson (wrestling); 1967-Eugene Washington (football, track & field); 1966-Steve Juday (football); 1965-David Price (gymnastics); 1964-George (Pete) Gent (basketball); 1963-Richard Schloemer (fencing); 1962-Edward Ryan (football); 1961-William Reynolds (track & field/cross country); 1960-Stan Tarshis (gymnastics); 1959-Robert Anderegg (basketball); 1958-Robert Jasson (hockey); 1957-Selwyn Jones (track & field); 1956-Carl Nystrom (football); 1955-Kevan Gosper (track & field); 1954-Robert Hoke (wrestling); 1953-John Wilson (football); 1952-Orris Bender (wrestling); 1951-Everett Grandelius (football).
BIG TEN CONFERENCE MEDAL OF HONOR (FEMALE)
(Presented to a male and female student-athlete at each conference institution for outstanding athletic and academic achievement)
WINNER: Gabriella Douglas (gymnastics)
Gabriella Douglas battled adversity throughout her career on the Spartan gymnastics team, but finished with a well-decorated career on and off the gymnastics floor of competition. A native of Toronto, Ontario, Douglas was a two-time team captain and ended her MSU career as a three-year letterwinner, earning second-team All-Big Ten accolades the past two seasons.
After missing the 2018 season due to a knee injury, Douglas returned to competition the following season with a standout year, qualifying for the 2019 NCAA Regionals on floor. Douglas was named to the Big Ten All-Championships team after earning a share of second place on beam in the afternoon session.
Douglas had a stellar senior campaign, in which she earned five beam titles, becoming a fixture in the beam lineup in the anchor position. Douglas recorded nine marks of 9.800 or higher, with four routines scoring 9.900 or higher, including a career-high mark of 9.950 on Jan. 11. Douglas became the first Spartan to capture a 9.950 on beam since Kelsey Morley did it twice in 2009. In addition, Douglas tied her career-high of 9.925 on floor exercise twice with two individual titles on the event.
"I was very surprised about winning this honor," Douglas said about winning the Big Ten Conference Medal of Honor. "I've had teammates who have received this award in the past, and those have always been girls that I've really, really looked up to. So, I just feel so blessed that I was awarded this honor too, and it kind of makes me feel like I'm doing something right; I'm following in the footsteps of people that I really look up to in my life."
Douglas has also had a well-decorated career in the classroom, as she was a three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree, and will graduate in December of 2020 with a degree in kinesiology and minor in health promotion. After earning WCGA Scholar All-American accolades last year, Douglas is expected to earn similar honors this year.
As active as she is in the gym and classroom, she is equally, if not more active outside of the gym, as her passion to serve others is evident through her active involvement and leadership in the community. Douglas serves as the Green Bandana Project Coordinator, while also participating in outreach activities including Special Olympics, Pediatric Ward Volunteer at Sparrow Hospital, Making Strides of Lansing Breast Cancer Walk, March is Reading Month, Random Acts of Kindness Week, Student-Athlete Food Drive and the Teams for Toys initiative.
At the 2019-20 Student-Athlete Support Services (SASS) Academic Excellence Gala, Douglas earned the Gwendolyn Norrell Community Service and Leadership Award for her commitment to helping others. The Gwendolyn Norrell Award is presented to the student-athlete who demonstrates the highest level of commitment to impacting areas of leadership and community service.
Over the course of her career, Douglas has been a true humanitarian and leader in the East Lansing community and beyond. Through her positions as the gymnastics team co-captain, Student-Athlete Advisory Committee President, MSU Athletic Council Member, Diversity and Leadership Committee Member, MSU Athletics Alcohol and Other Drugs Committee, Big Ten SAAC Representative and Athletic Director's Leadership Group Member, Douglas has been a voice for student-athletes at every level, and a leader throughout, a clear-cut candidate for the Chester Brewer Leadership Award.
"With being in quarantine and with everything, you feel kind of removed from everything," Douglas said. "These awards just kind of really brought me back, it's a nice reminder that the work that I put in actually made a difference, and people took notice of it."
Douglas's efforts were more than just noticed by her gymnastics teammates and coaches, and she was humbled that they were also noticed by her fellow Michigan State student-athletes and coaches of other sports.
"I'm really, really honored that people took notice of the leadership, and most of the work I did was trying to help, trying to help the student-athletes and trying to help the students of the university, at sort of the base level of everything so to be recognized at such a high level is really meaningful," Douglas said.
Her time as a Michigan State student-athlete will forever be meaningful for Douglas, as she is proud to be a Spartan and have a home at MSU. Douglas now goes forward with the life lessons she's learned and hopes current and future Spartans can learn some of those same lessons.
"I hope that people on my team, I hope that other student-athletes, I hope that particularly student-athletes of color, realize that the Big Ten and this University does recognize hard work," Douglas said. "If you really make an effort to make a difference and to make a change, and you're doing it for the right reason, and you want to make a positive impact, people do take notice and people are thankful and people do recognize that here. I hope that it inspires some other people to kind of keep working hard, keep pushing for things in the athletic department and just overall with the student body. Keep fighting for the change that you want to see."
She finished her career with 16 event titles, with eight beam wins, seven floor titles and one vault top honor. Her many attributes in and out of the gym are ingrained and left a lasting impression on her coaches.
"Without a doubt,
Gabriella Douglas represents the upper echelon of Big Ten and NCAA female student-athletes with her humility, integrity and respect. Her leadership and overall success at Michigan State represents the quality and character we strive for with Spartan student-athletes," MSU gymnastics head coach
Mike Rowe said. "Throughout her career at Michigan State, she has been a driving force as a Co-Team Captain and leader. Her natural leadership contributions, both visibly and vocally, along with her enthusiasm, glowing personality and motivational efforts, work ethic and grit have set a bar that has had an enormous influence on both her current teammates and the new culture that has inspired and helped move our program forward. Along with being stellar in the classroom and on the competition floor, Ella has selflessly and repeatedly put others before herself. I am proud and honored to join my staff and her teammates in congratulating her on these prestigious honors!"
Douglas is the sixth recipient of the Big Ten Conference Medal of Honor from the gymnastics program and second-consecutive recipient, joining
Jessica Ling (2019), as well as Lisa Burt (2016), Kristen Coleman (2007), Ruth Aguayo (1993) and Kim Hartwick (1988).
PAST WINNERS - BIG TEN CONFERENCE MEDAL OF HONOR FEMALE WINNERS:
2019-
Jessica Ling (gymnastics); 2018-Katelyn Daniels (track & field); 2017-Alexis Wiersma (cross country/track & field); 2016-Lisa Burt (gymnastics); 2015-Abby Barker (field hockey); 2014-Kristen Henn (field hockey); 2013-
Caroline Powers (golf); 2012-Jenilee Rathje (volleyball); 2011-Aimee Neff (golf); 2010-Allyssa DeHaan (basketball); 2009-Sara Schmidt (rowing); 2008-Kate Burdick (rowing); 2007-Kristen Coleman (gymnastics); 2006-Liz Shimek (basketball); 2005-Veerle Goudswaard (field hockey); 2004-Michelle Carson (cross country/track & field); 2003-Stephanie Anisko (swimming & diving); 2002-Carly Weiden (swimming & diving) and Krista Buzzell (crew); 2001-Carly Weiden (swimming & diving); 2000-Carly Weiden (swimming & diving); 1999-Carrie Carpenter (softball); 1998-Melissa Pryor (field hockey); 1997-Val Sterk (volleyball); 1996-Patti Raduenz (softball); 1995-Laura Bell (cross country/track & field); 1994-Laura Bell (cross country/track & field); 1993-Ruth Aguayo (gymnastics); 1992-Misty Allison (cross country/track & field); 1991-Emily Coatney (soccer); 1990-Eileen Shea (basketball); 1989-Mary Schoenle (swimming & diving); 1988-Kim Hartwick (gymnastics); 1987-Lisa Marino (golf); 1986-Julie Polakowski (basketball); 1985-Kelly Belanger (basketball); 1984-Anne Pewe (cross country/track & field); 1983-Karen Wells (basketball); 1982-Lisa Speaker (golf).
CHESTER BREWER LEADERSHIP AWARD
WINNER: Gabriella Douglas (gymnastics)
(See above for Big Ten Medal of Honor)
Douglas is just the second MSU women's gymnast to earn the Chester Brewer Leadership Award, joining Kelly Moffitt, who earned the honor in 2010.
PAST WINNERS - CHESTER BREWER LEADERSHIP AWARD:
2019-Khari Willis (football) and DeJuan Jones (men's soccer); 2018-Lourawls "Tum Tum" Nairn Jr. (basketball); 2017-Dan Durkin (baseball); 2016-Jack Allen (football); 2015-Kori Moster (volleyball); 2014-Kristen Kelsay (volleyball); 2013-
Caroline Powers (golf); 2012-Kirk Cousins (football); 2011-Brandon Eckerle (baseball); 2010-Kelly Moffitt (women's gymnastics); 2009-Jeff Lerg (hockey); 2008-Ryan Brehm (golf); 2007-Taren James (track & field); 2006-R.J. Boudro (wrestling); 2005-
Kristin Haynie (basketball); 2004-Allison Fouch (golf); 2003-Sandy Lewis (softball); 2002-Adam Hall (hockey); 2001-Ann Cieszkowski (soccer); 2000-Leah Nilsson (cross country/track & field); 1999-Melissa Pryor (field hockey); 1998-Kyle Baker (cross country); 1997-Dana Cooke (volleyball) and Tamika Matlock (basketball); 1996-Courtney DeBolt (volleyball); 1995-Eric Snow (basketball); 1994-Rob Fredrickson (football); 1993-Steve Johnson (baseball); 1992-Mike Gilmore (hockey); 1991-Becky Belanger (volleyball) and Eileen Shea (basketball); 1990-Chris Willertz (football); 1989-Sheila Ovenhouse (softball); 1988-Pat Shurmur (football); 1987-Shane Bullough (football); 1986-Anthony Bell (football); 1985-Kelly Miller (hockey); 1984-Michael Brown (swimming & diving); 1983-Eliot Tabron (track & field); 1982-Shawn White (wrestling); 1981-Ray Stachowicz (football); 1980-Terry Donnelly (basketball); 1979-Rodger Bastien (baseball); 1978-Jeff Rudolph (men's gymnastics); 1977-Gary Domagalski (golf); 1976-Thomas Ross (hockey); 1975-No Award Presented; 1974-Val Washington (lacrosse); 1973-Jerry Sackmann (baseball); 1972-Greg Johnson (wrestling); 1971-Kim Hartman (cross country/track & field); 1970-Ronald Saul (football); 1969-Toby Towson (men's gymnastics); 1968-John Bailey (basketball/golf); 1967-Gary Dilley (swimming); 1966-Payton Fuller (soccer), James Curzi (gymnastics); 1965-Douglas Roberts (hockey/football); 1964-Sherman Lewis (track & field/football); 1963-George Azar (football/baseball); 1962-Stephen Johnson (men's gymnastics); 1961-William Steuart (swimming); 1960-Crawford "Forddy" Kennedy (cross country/track & field); 1959-Sam Williams (football); 1958-Dave Lean (cross country/track & field); 1957-Pat Wilson (football/basketball); 1956-Earl Morrall (football/baseball); 1955-John Matsock (football/baseball); 1954-Tom Yewcic (football/baseball); 1953-Bert McLachlan (swimming); 1952-Robert Carey (football/track & field/basketball); 1951-Everett Grandelius (football).
DR. JAMES FEURIG ACHIEVEMENT & SERVICE AWARD
(Presented to a male or female graduating senior involved in athletics as a competitor or in a supporting role. The recipient should carry a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 or better, and in addition to athletic and academic success, demonstrate involvement in school/campus and community activities.)
WINNER: Scott Piper (Men's Swimming & Diving)
Scott Piper embodies what it means to be an outstanding student-athlete at Michigan State University. The three-time Big Ten Distinguished Scholar and three-time Academic All-Big Ten recipient maintained a perfect 4.0 cumulative GPA while earning a bachelor's degree in biosystems engineering. In the classroom, Piper was the first student-athlete in program and school history to be awarded the Wayne Duke Postgraduate Scholarship from the Big Ten Conference, and recently was named a B1G Scholarship winner as well. He was named a CoSIDA First-Team Academic All-American and is also a Scholastic All-American. Piper spent numerous semesters on Dr. Jonathan Hardy's undergraduate research team in the microbiology department at Michigan State and also interned with Orchid Orthopedic Solutions in Holt.
"Everyone in our program is extremely proud of everything that Scott has accomplished during his four years at Michigan State" said head coach
Matt Gianiodis. "He is an incredibly well-rounded person who has achieved so much in the pool, in the classroom, and in our community. We are thankful that we have played a small part in his development, and know that he is destined for great things."
"I am truly humbled and honored to receive this award," said Piper. "This is a testament to the kind of environment and culture that our team, and MSU as a whole, has. I am very thankful for Coach G and Coach Kathleen (Milloy) for not only allowing me to explore my interests in the university and community, but for encouraging us to actively get involved and give back. I am also thankful for the hard work from
Angela Montie and all the other administrators who are essential to us developing into multi-faceted individuals.
"One of the most exciting things I got to be a part of was serving as SAAC's first representative on the General Assembly of ASMSU and forging a connection between students from throughout the university. I think that this relationship will continue to grow and support each other's missions.
"In my time at MSU, we have experienced a lot of change. Thankfully, as part of the athletic community, I had a platform that allowed me to be heard, make a difference, and help drive this change. This is especially important in light of recent national events that have shown how imperative it is that we do not remain silent while others are in need, that we speak out on issues that are important to us, and that we look for ways to serve and care for those around us."
A multi-event swimmer for the Spartans, Piper competed in the individual medley, backstroke, and butterfly events. He holds the varsity records in the 200 butterfly, 1:45.35, and the 200 IM, 1:46.42, both of which he set in 2019. Piper also qualified for the 2020 Olympic Trials at the 2018 USA Winter Nationals in the 200 IM.
A leader on campus, Piper was the Vice President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and served as the SAAC representative on the Associated Students of Michigan State University (ASMSU) board. He is also an Honors College Dean's Ambassador. In addition, he was heavily involved with a variety of community outreach events, including Salvation Army, the Student-Athlete Food Drive, and shaving his head to raise money for the St. Baldrick's Foundation alongside other student-athletes. Piper graduated in May and will be pursuing his MS in Bioengineering at Stanford this fall.
Piper is the third member of the MSU men's swimming and diving program to receive the Feurig Award.
PAST WINNERS - DR. JAMES FEURIG ACHIEVEMENT & SERVICE AWARD
2019- Bailey Higgins (field hockey); 2018- Lea Foerster (softball) and Jasper Koenen (tennis): 2017-Allyssah Fitterer (volleyball); 2016-Sarah Kovan (soccer); 2015-Ryan Keener (soccer); 2014-Kristen Kelsay (volleyball); 2013-Kevin Jackson (track & field); 2012-Jenilee Rathje (volleyball); 2011-Jenilee Rathje (volleyball); 2010-Ross Weaver (football); 2009-Katlyn Roggensack (gymnastics); 2008-Matthew McNichols (swimming & diving); 2007-John Masters (football); 2006-Taren James (track & field); 2005-Erin Carlson (soccer); 2004-Joe Tate (football); 2003-Brad Fast (hockey); 2002-Adam Hall (hockey); 2001-Deb White (field hockey); 2000-Jennifer Hanink (soccer); 1999-Melissa Pryor (field hockey); 1998-Dave Mudge (football); 1997-Stephanie Dueringer (cross country/track & field); 1996-Susan Gibson (soccer); 1995-Angela Howard (gymnastics); 1994-Mill Coleman (football); 1993-Molly West (tennis) and Chris Brown (track & field); 1992-Matt Steigenga (basketball); 1991-
Jason Muzzatti (hockey); 1990-Dawna Wilson (gymnastics) and Todd Mercer (swimming & diving); 1989-Kelly Collister (volleyball); 1988-Keiko Timmerman (gymnastics); 1987-Kristen Nelson (swimming & diving) and Barry Fordham (basketball); 1986-John Wojciehowski (football); 1985-Bob Fossum (golf) and Riney Wilke (lacrosse); 1984-Michael Brown (swimming & diving); 1983-Syd Wells (golf); 1982-Molly Brennan (track & field); 1981-Ivan Merritt (gymnastics); 1980-Michael Longaker (basketball); 1979-Kevin Willitts (lacrosse); 1978-Joan Garety (golf); 1977-Herb Lindsay (track & field/cross country).
