Varsity S Club Award Winners
2/25/2022 11:23:00 AM | General
VARSITY S CLUB AWARD WINNERS
THE JACK BRESLIN LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Presented annually to the Spartan varsity alumnus whose post-college career has brought great honor to him, and by reflection to Michigan State University and its intercollegiate athletic programs.
PAST AWARD WINNERS:
1986 - Jack Breslin, Football 1941-42, 1944-45, Baseball 1946 (Deceased)
1987 - Charley Wedemeyer, Football 1966-68
1988 - Robin E. Roberts, Baseball 1946-47
1989 - Bob B. McCurry, Football 1946-48 (Deceased)
1990 - Art Brandstatter, Sr., Football 1935-36 (Deceased)
1991 - John Pingel, Football 1936, 37, 39 Men’s Track and Field 1937 (Deceased)
1992 - Gordon E. Fornell, Men’s Swimming/Diving 1956-58
1993 - Lanny L. Johnson, Men’s Swimming/Diving 1952-55, Golf 1955
1994 - John N. Wilson, Football 1950-52 (Deceased)
1995 - Dennis Lewin, Hockey Manager 1963-65
1996 - Lloyd D. Ward, Men’s Basketball 1968-70
1997 - Frank J. Kush, Football 1950-52
1998 - Harley N. Hotchkiss, Hockey 1950
1999 - John H. McConnell, Football 1946
2000 - Charles L. ‘Chuck’; Fairbanks, Football 1951-54
2001 - George Perles, Football 1958
2002 - Richard D. Ferman, Jr., Tennis 1969-72
2003 - George E. (Ted) Willis, Fencing 1939-42
2004 - Lance Olson, MD, Basketball 1958-60
2005 - George T. Guerre, Football 1946-48
2006 - Gene Washington, Football 1964-66, Track 1965-67
2007 - William L. Hughes, Football 1950-51
2008 - Dr. Donald G. Baird, Football 1966-69
2009 - Steve Smith, Basketball 1988-91
2010 - James William Cotter, Baseball 1977-79
2011 - Paul Hruby, Hockey 1957-1959
2012 - Dr. Jack Beattie, Men’s Swimming 1954-56
2013 - Dr. Eric Zemper, Men’s Cross County 1963-67
2014 - Dean Look, Football 1957-59
2015 - Wally Dobler, Men’s Swimming 1957-59
2016 - Jerry Sutton, Baseball 1962-69
2017 - Eldon VanSpybrook, Ice Hockey 1958-1960
2018 - Tim Bograkos, Sr., Men’s Basketball 1970-72, Baseball 1970-72
2019 - Kirk Gibson, Football 1975-78, Baseball 1978
2020 - Curtis Daniel III, Football 1994-95
2022 - Ken Popejoy, Track and Field 1969-73
2023 - Tom Dieters, Baseball 1980-83
2024 - Bernie Sheff, Fencing
2025 - Randy Smith, Track and Field
HENRY C. BULLOUGH VARSITY ALUMNI “S” AWARD
Presented annually to a MSU varsity letter winner who has demonstrated continuing outstanding volunteer service and devotion to MSU athletics on a local, state, national or international level and who possesses the highest standards of integrity and character to positively reflect and enhance the prestige of MSU.
PAST AWARD WINNERS:
2002 - Sally M. Belloli, Field Hockey 1968
2003 - James P. Sinadinos, Wrestling 1954-56
2004 - Max W. Jozwiak, Boxing 1953
2005 - Donald F. Johnson, Wrestling 1947
2006 - Dr. Blanche Martin, Football 1955-59
2007 - Ray Lane, Baseball 1951-52
2008 - Dr. John Shinsky, Football 1970-73
2009 - Joe DeLamielleure, Football 1970-72
2010 - Ryan Miller, Hockey 1999 - 2002
2011 - Sedric Audas, Football 1977-1979
2012 - David Brogan, Men’s Tennis 1953-1956
2013 - George Perles, Football 1958
2014 - Michael Vorkapich, Football 1991-94
2015 - Constantine Demos, Football 1963-66
2016 - Todd Duckett, Football 2001-02
2017 - Mat Ishbia, Men’s Basketball 1999-2002
2018 - Tim Richey, Men’s Soccer 1989-93
2019 - Joe Tate, Football 2000-04
2020 - Doug Landefeld, Men’s Soccer 1984-88
2022 - Eric Rosekrans, Baseball 1978-80
2023 - Don Weatherspoon, Football 1965
2024 - David Habel, Swimming and Diving
2025 - Pat Gallinagh, Football 1965-66
NELL JACKSON OUTSTANDING ALUMNA AWARD
Presented annually to a Spartan varsity alumnae whose career, since graduating from Michigan State University, has been distinguished not only by outstanding professional accomplishments but also by an exceptional record of community service.
PAST AWARD WINNERS:
1988 - Shirley Cook, Women’s Basketball 1958 (Deceased)
1989 - Kathy A. DeBoer, Volleyball 1978-77, Women’s Basketball 1977-78
1990 - Marcia Tiesinga, Field Hockey 1956-59
1991 - Elizabeth (Polly) Ayers, Field Hockey 1974
1992 - Judith L. Brown Clarke, Women’s Track and Field 1980-83
1993 - Leanna K. Bordner, Women’s Basketball 1973-76, Softball 1973-75, Field Hockey 1974
1994 - No candidate, Transition with joining Varsity men’s club
1995 - Sue Ertl, Women’s Golf 1976-79
1996 - Molly K. Brennan, Women’s Track and Field 1979-82
1997 - Dr. Bonnie L. Smoak, Volleyball 1973-74
1998 - Joan M. Garety, Women’s Golf 1975-78
1999 - Joey Spano, Field Hockey 1973-74, Softball 1974, Women’s Basketball 1974
2000 - Barbara A. Mucha, Women’s Golf 1982-84
2001 - Dr. Margaret A. Kolka, Women’s Basketball 1974
2002 - Karen L. Dennis, Women’s Track and Field 1976-77
2003 - Carol S. Hutchins, Women’s Basketball and Softball 1976-79
2004 - Mary E. Scheurer, Field Hockey 1974-75
2005 - Mary Jo Hardy, Volleyball 1975-76
2006 - Molly West Fletcher, Women’s Tennis 1989-93
2007 - Susan V. Selke, Women’s Tennis 1972-75
2008 - Mary Jo Truesdale, Softball, Field Hockey, Women’s Basketball 1975
2009 - Diane Selke, Women’s Tennis 1975-79
2010 - Deb Traxinger, Women’s Basketball 1978 - 1982, Softball 1980
2011 - Angela Howard Montie, Gymnastics 1991 - 1995
2012 - Diana D’Angelo, Women’s Tennis 1972-75
2013 - Stacy Slobodnik-Stoll, Women’s Golf 1992-94
2014 - Alexandra Wiesner, Women’s Tennis 1988-91
2015 - Tammy Farnum, Women’s Soccer 1989-92
2016 - Cheryl Gilliam, Women’s Track 1981
2017 - Erin Konheim Mandras, Women’s Soccer 2002-06
2018 - Caroline Powers, Women’s Golf 2009-13
2019 - Leah O’Connor Women’s Track 2012-2014
2020 - Kristen Parkhurst, Field Hockey 2009-14
2022 - Megan Fleegle, Women’s Soccer 2006-10
2023 - Mel Green, Gymnastics
2024 - Dana Daniels, Tennis
2025 - Taren Storrs, Women’s Track and Field
VANSPYBROOK LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FOR RETIRED COACHES
Presented annually to the male or female MSU coach whose coaching career has brought great honor personally, and by reflection, to Michigan State University and its intercollegiate athletic programs.
PAST AWARD WINNERS
2006 - George Szypula, Men’s Head Gymnastics Coach 1947-88
2007 - Bruce and Mary Fossum, Men’s Assistant Basketball Coach 1959-65 and Men’s Head Golf Coach 1965-89; Women’s Golf Coach 1973-97
2008 - Grady Peninger, Wrestling Head Coach 1963-86
2009 - Jim Bibbs, Men’s Head Track & Field Coach 1968-95
2010 - Amo Bessone, Hockey Head Coach 1951-79
2011 - Joe Baum, Men’s Soccer Coach
2012 - Ron Mason, Hockey Head Coach 1980-2002
2013 - Karen Langeland, Women’s Head Basketball Coach 1976-99
2014 - Jennifer Parks, Head Swimming Coach 1974-88
2015 - Charles Schmitter, Head Fencing Coach 1940-84
2016 - Gus Ganakas, Head Basketball Coach 1969-76
2017 - Charles McCaffree Jr., Head Swimming & Diving Coach 1941-69
2018 - Fran Dittrich, Track & Cross Country 1959 -69
2019 - Henry Bullough, Football 1952-54; 1959-69; 1994
2020 - Richard Bader, Swimming & Diving Coach 1982-2000
2022 - Richard Comley, Hockey 2002-11
2023 - Elaine Hatton, Women’s Tennis 1973-77
2024 - Ken Mannie, Head Strength and Conditioning Coach 1994-2020
2025 - Mikki Baile, Women’s Basketball Head Coach 1972-75 and Field Hockey Head Coach 1972-74
CLARENCE “BIGGIE” MUNN EXTRA EFFORT AWARD
Presented periodically to a MSU graduate who possesses the highest standards of integrity and character and who has demonstrated outstanding service to Michigan State University and the MSU community exemplifying the belief that “the difference between good and great is just a little extra effort.”
PAST AWARD WINNERS:
2009 - Kellie Dean Football 1970-73.
2010 - Not Awarded
2011 - Not Awarded
2012 - Herb Washington, Men’s Track and Field 1969-72
2013 - Duane Vernon
2014 - Not Awarded
2015 - Henry Bullough, Football 1952-54
2016 - Courtney Hawkins, Football 1988-91
2017 - Bruce McCristal
2018 - Not Awarded
2019 - Tony Nuckolls
2020 - Shon Hart, Football 1994-96
2021 - Not Awarded
2022 - Not Awarded
2023 - Rich Kimball, Lacrosse 1981-97
2024 - Don Behm, Wrestling
2025 - John Minagawa-Webster, Men’s Soccer
CHERYL M. GILLIAM YOUNG ALUMNI AWARD
The Young Alumni candidate, since graduating from Michigan State University, shows promise of a distinguished career not only by outstanding professional accomplishments but also by an exceptional record of community service to date. They also represent Michigan State University with integrity and respect within the communities where they live and work.
PAST AWARD WINNERS:
2013 - Lauren Aitch, Women’s Basketball 2005-10
2014 - Travis Key, Football 2004-07
2015 - Erica Mann, Women’s Track and Field 2007-11
2016 - Kaleb Thornhill, Football 2004-08
2017 - Jeremy Orr, Track 2005-09
2018 - Douglas G. DeMartin 2005-09
2019 - Ashton Henderson, Football 2006-10
2020 - Timothy J. Granaderos, Men’s Soccer 2006-10
2022 - Shelby Lacy, Swimming 2011-15
2023 - Reggie Ferrell, Men’s Track and Field
2024 - Jasper Koenen, Men’s Tennis 2015-18
2025 - Trae Waynes, Football 2012-15
JOEY M. SPANO GRADUATE ENDOWED FELLOWSHIP
Click HERE for a link to the nomination form.
The Joey M. Spano MSU Varsity 'S' Club Graduate Endowed Fellowship has been created to assist MSU student-athletes advance their knowledge and transform their lives in their respective quest for excellence. The MSU Varsity 'S' Club wishes to continue this tradition of honoring our student-athletes in supporting their higher education initiatives, but we need your help!
2009 - Kurt Kivisto, Hockey 2005-08
2010- Kelly Mooradian (Moffitt), Gymnastics 2007-09
2011 - Jenilee Rathje, Volleyball 2007-11
2012 - Megan Pines, Women’s Soccer 2008-11
2013 - Brooke Sauchak, Women’s Swimming 2010-12
2014 - Kristen Henn, Field Hockey 2009-13
2015 - Lindsey McPherson, Women’s Golf 2014-15
2016 - Kevin B. Jackson, Men’s Track 2009-13
2017 - Christopher Collier, Men’s Track 2012-2016
2018 - Lindsey Besson, Softball 2013-18
2019 - Taylor Mullins, Women’s Track & Field 2016-19
2020 - Dan Chmielewski, Baseball 2014-19
2021 - Claire Hendrickson, W. Basketball 2018-20
2022 - Sarah Flowney, Rowing, 2019-22
2023 - Cameron Caffey, Wrestling
2024 - Ellie Wheatley, Field Hockey
2025 - Julia Bishop, Volleyball
JOEY M. SPANO DONATIONS
To inquire about a gift to the Spano Endowment Fund, please email varsitys@ath.msu.edu
Click HERE to donate now to the Joey M. Spano Graduate Fellowship Endowment
HONORARY MEMBERS
Honorary membership is awarded to individuals for distinguished service to Michigan State University, MSU Athletics, and/or the MSU Varsity 'S' Club.
1946
John Hannah
W.T Cromley
Ernest Foreman
Jack Heppinstall
Luther Klager
Robert Linton
Curt Lock
1952
George Alderton
Charles Phillips
1957
Harry Frisosky
1960
Howard Sober
1965
Grady Peninger
1967
Lawrence Jarrett
1972
Fendley Collins
Ken Richards
1973
Coy Eklund
Thomas Searl
1977
James Caan
Robert Reynolds
1981
William Beardsley
Charles McCaffree
1982
Danny Litwhiler
Gayle Robinson
1983
Walter Adams
Charles Schmitter, Sr.
Fred Stabley
1984
Jim Adams
Nick Vista
1985
Gil Haley
Gene Kenney
1987
Fred Lowe
Joe Puleo
1988
Jack Fuzak
Gwen Norrell
1989
John Demmer
Monte Story
1990
Jud Heathcote
1991
Gene Scott
George Szypula
1992
Dick Beals
Duane Vernon
1994
Gregory Eaton
Tom O’Brien
1995
Gus Ganakas
Tom Smith
Clarence Underwood
1996
Rich Kimble
Bob Knickerbocker
Jeff Monroe
1997
Amo Bessone
Joel Ferguson
Barry McGuire
Peter Secchia
Sylvia Thompson
1998
Ferman Badgley
David Borgman
Terry Braverman
David Carrier
Rosario Criscuolo
Hugh “Duffy” Daugherty
Tom Izzo
Clarence “Biggie” Munn
Ken Patenge
1999
William A. Burgess
Bruce Fossum
Ronald Gibson
Pam Henning
Philip E. Irion, O.D.
Herbert E. Ross, D.O.
Mary Kay Smith
2000
William Demmer
Dan Henry
Joe Pentecost
J.C. Walters
Maude Zindel
2001
Ronnie Barnes
Tom Mackowiak
Vera Munn
Sally Nogle
Archie Tarpoff
Bobby Williams
2002
Robert A. Carter
Gordon E. Guyer
William G. Janis
Michael L. Kasavana
John Narcy
Robert Stehlin
Keith A Williams
2003
Fredric S. Abood
Greg Ianni
Karen Langeland
Michele Madison
Thomas W. Magee
Thomas Minkel
Donald Nugent
Richard Whitmer
2004
Marc A. Curtis
2005
Carl Angelo
Pat Hayhoe
Jim Nelson
2006
Charles Curry
David Durant
Ray Durant
Todd Durant
Ken Kusterer
Craig Stover
David Tome
2007
Shelley Appelbaum
Rick Atkinson
William Fate
Donald G. Joswick
E. James Potchen
Ken Mannie
2008
George Blaha
Gregory M. Bria
Rick Comley
Edward J. Demmer
Bruce McCristal
LouAnna K. Simon
2009
Robert Bao
Jacquie Joseph
David Marvin
Gene Orlando
Jim Pignataro
Tim Staudt
Joseph Thomas
2010
Tom Newton
Christine Smith
Jill Witzenburg
2011
Mark Dantonio
Barry Greer
Dr. John T. Madden
Suzy Merchant
Dr. Roy J. Simon
2012
Richard Bader
Matt Gianiodis
Robert Skandalaris
2013
Bruce Coleman
Seth Kesler
Jennifer Smith
Scott Westerman
2014
Robert Cantrell
Dr. James Constandt
Harriet Dean
Walt Drenth
Dr. Jeff Kovan
Beth Marinez
2015
Jake Boss IV
Patrick M McPharlin
Nathan A. Triplett
2016
Marilyn J. Bria
Henry “Jack” Nelson
Thomas Shepard
Eric Thomas
2017
Sue Carter
Douglas Crips
Richard Dunham
Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha
2018
Jim Ananich
Steve Guerrero
Dean Olson
Dayne Thomas
2019
Jonathan Kirkland
Rick Lasch
Suzanne Lasch
Jon Lynch
2020
Dominic Carbone
Mo Gerhardt
Wendy Koerner
Maya Washington
2022
Roger Chandler
Jemele Hill
Helen Knull
Tate Myre
Karen Sadler
2023
Mike Garland
Cathy George
Malinda Hudkins
LouAnne Jefferson
Cindy Mejorado
2024
Lou Ann Bullough
Mary Kusterer
Paulette Martis
Kathleen Milloy
Doug Herner
Brad Lunsford
2025
Becky Dantonio
Lupe Izzo
Margot Montgomery Moran
Dr. Robert Norris
Dave Russell
Will Tieman
