(l-r): Justin Ahrens, Brooke Stribling, Emily Gray, Riley Swanson, Jacquie Lipp, and Erik Quick-Warner
EUGENE, Ore. - The third annual NCU Champions of Character Awards Dessert took place on Thursday, paying tribute to the talents of Beacon athletes on the field, in the classroom and in life.
The Athletic Training Perseverance awards were presented to senior women’s basketball players Jacquie Lipp (Sheldon HS) and Emily Gray (Willamette HS). Lipp suffered a serious knee injury in the preseason exhibition game against the University of Oregon and was thought to be lost for the year. Undeterred, Lipp worked her way back, playing in the final 13 games of the year and cracking the starting lineup five times.
Gray played the first half of the season and was the Beacons leading scorer before a career-ending injury to her ACL. It was the second straight year that her season was cut short by a knee injury. Gray had surgery in February, but remained an integral part of the team as she pursued in her academic and rehabilitation efforts.
The Sports Information Legacy Award, which honors statistical achievement and a lasting impact on Northwest Christian University athletics, also went to Emily Gray. The senior broke 18 school records, including six career records, in stellar four-year career.
Scholar-Athlete of the Year honors were awarded to men’s basketball junior Erik Quick-Warner (Marist HS) and two-sport start Ashley King (McKenzie HS), reflective upon their strong efforts in the classroom and the field of play.
The Champions of Character Award honors athletes who embody the core values of the NAIA Champions of Character program; respect, integrity, responsibility, servant leadership and sportsmanship. Erik Quick-Warner picked up his second honor of the night in this category. The female Champions of Character Award was given to a freshman for the first time as Cross Country and Distance Track runner Riley Swanson was honored.
Athlete of the Year honors were given to volleyball player Brooke Stribling (Marist HS) and men’s golfer Justin Ahrens (Sheldon HS).
The “Beacon Cup”, which is awarded to the Team of the Year, was given to the Men’s Basketball team. Voted to finish 10th in the eleven-team CCC by the conference coaches, the men’s basketball team took sixth place, advanced to the CCC tournament semi-finals and defeated four national ranked teams over the final two weeks of the season.
Athletic Training Perseverance Award: Jacquie Lipp and Emily Gray
Sports Information Legacy Award: Emily Gray
Scholar Athlete Award: Erik Quick-Warner and Ashley King
Champions of Character Award: Erik Quick-Warner and Riley Swanson
Athletes of the Year: Brooke Stribling and Justin Ahrens
Beacon Cup – Team of the Year: Men’s Basketball