Athletics Department Presents Top Honors (5/7/08)

Trinity’s athletics department wrapped up the 2007-2008 sports calendar with an all-athlete picnic and award ceremony. At the gathering, a number of special awards were given to selected individuals who have made significant contributions to Trinity both in and out of the playing arena.  
  
Two of the highest honors are the Keith Albers Memorial Award and the Women’s Athletics Award. These awards are given to a male and female athlete who exhibits exemplary play on the athletic field, high achievement in the classroom, outstanding leadership in campus activities, and a spirit of cooperation and teamwork.   
  
The recipient of the Albers Award was Jon Laack ’08 of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, a four-year starter and captain of the soccer team. For the past four seasons, Jon has played a midfield position and has been a stabilizing factor and leader. He has received all-conference and NCCAA all-region recognition and is a NAIA and NCCAA scholar-athlete. Laack has also been involved in mission projects and will graduate this spring with degrees in biology and theology.
 
“I am honored to receive this award,” said Laack. “My experience at Trinity has been great and being a member of the soccer team was a very important part of that.”
  
The Women’s Award was given to Erin Zielke ’08 of Bristol, Illinois. Erin played on the basketball team for four seasons, serving as a starter and team captain in her senior year. She also joined the track team for the first time this spring and has set three school records and become a NAIA national qualifier. Erin’s positive attitude, consistent encouragement, selflessness, and hard work make her an invaluable leader and teammate.  
 
“Erin is a truly unselfish player,” said basketball coach Liz Metcalfe ’83. “She expresses a genuine caring spirit and is a shining example of humility while being a competitive and successful athlete.”  
 
Besides those career awards, the athletics department also recognized two athletes who were outstanding this year. The Male Athlete of the Year went to Kurt Gruppen ’08 of Zeeland, Michigan. Gruppen led the men’s basketball team in scoring, three-point shooting, and free throw percentage this season. He also helped the team to a 23-13 overall record, one of the program’s most successful seasons, and to a NCCAA national tournament appearance. He received all-conference, NCCAA all-region, and all-American honors.
  
The Female Athlete of the Year was volleyball stand-out Megan Winters ’08 of Colchester, Illinois. As an all-around player, Megan was a team leader in many statistical categories, including kills, serving percentage, digs, and service reception. This season she reached the 1,000 kill career mark and was also given all-conference honors.
 
In addition to the department-wide honors, the men’s soccer program presented the Tom Krygsheld Memorial Award to a member of the team who exhibits excellence on the field, in the classroom, and in his Christ-like walk. This year’s recipient was Doug Andrews ’08 of Plymouth, Wisconsin.
 
Reaching beyond the athletes, the Rich Kooy Award was presented to a member of the Trinity community who is special to the athletics program and has contributed to its development. The honor was given to Dick Molenhouse, a friend of the College who has been involved with various building projects on campus, is an active member of the NCCAA board of directors, and is a supporter of the Trinity Athletics Club golf outing. Through his service to Trinity and the NCCAA, he has faithfully promoted and represented Troll athletics.


         
                                 

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