West Central Michigan News

Alex Cramer from the wrestling team and Emily Paupore from the cross country/track & field teams were recognized as the Male and Female Athlete of the Year, respectively, at Central Michigan University's Maroon & Gold Gala. The event took place on Monday evening at McGuirk Arena.

The annual gala celebrates CMU athletics and its more than 400 student-athletes. Other notable awardees included Anthony Pritchard, who was named Male Newcomer of the Year for basketball, and Samantha Shannon, awarded Female Newcomer of the Year for gymnastics.

Jonathan Decker received the Spark Player of the Year accolade in football. The Moment of the Year was awarded to Emily Paupore for winning the MAC cross country title, marking her as the first female in CMU history to achieve this milestone.

The Community Impact Award went to the women's soccer team. Men's cross country and gymnastics shared the Outstanding Team GPA Award. Danny Wuuestenfeld was honored as Male Teammate of the Year for baseball, while Alina Anderson received Female Teammate of the Year for volleyball and women's basketball.

Tom Borrelli was named Coach of the Year for his contributions to wrestling. Philippe Yturralde earned Spring Impact Player of the Year in men's golf. The Dick Enberg Team Leadership Award went to softball.

Men's basketball secured Game of the Year with their victory over Western Michigan. Tom and Shaon Weirich were acknowledged with the Chippewa Impact Award. Julia Bice and Trevor Huber received recognition through the Stafflete Award.

Johnny Lovett was honored with the Male Chippewa Legacy Award in wrestling, while Abigail Lair received a similar accolade in lacrosse. Robi Stuart (football), Sarah Daniel (track & field), Linea Willer (volleyball), and Abbey Tolmie (softball) were recognized with Pat Podoll Outstanding Academic Achievement Awards.

Robi Stuart also shared Athletic Director's Leadership Award honors with Abigail Lair. Cade Klimczak (football) and Addie Brown (soccer) were recipients of Academic Achievement Awards. Wrestling was named Team of the Year.

The top scholar-athletes by team included Jared Hanson for baseball, Hong Bing Tang for men's cross country, Robi Stuart for football, Arie Jackman for men's golf, Alex Cramer for wrestling, Alina Anderson for women's basketball, Jessie Gibbons for women's cross country, Shannon Dwyer for field hockey, Alexis McMurray for women's golf, Lia Kmieciak for gymnastics, Sarah Daniel for track & field, Emma Potter for lacrosse, Claudia Muessig for soccer, Abbey Tolmie for softball, and Linnea Willer for volleyball.

Nominees were also announced for prestigious awards such as Dick Enberg Award and Bill Boyden Leadership Award across various sports disciplines.

Graduating seniors from multiple sports teams were recognized during this celebration event at Central Michigan University.