Michigan State University Athletics
Major Athletic Award Winners Announced at Michigan State
Major Athletic Award Winners Announced at Michigan State
Ryan Miller named Alderton Male Athlete of the Year; Summer Mitchell named Alderton Female Athlete of the Year
June 26, 2001
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Six Michigan State University student-athletes have been recognized for excellence both on the playing field and in the classroom and have earned the school's highest athletic awards for 2000-01.
The awards include the George Alderton Male and Female Athletes of the Year, the Big Ten Conference Medals of Honor, the Chester Brewer Leadership Award and the Dr. James Feurig Achievement and Service Award. The winners were selected by a panel of administrators and head coaches.
Goaltender Ryan Miller (East Lansing, Mich.) was named the George Alderton Male Athlete of the Year. Junior diver Summer Mitchell (Troy, Mich.) was selected as the George Alderton Female Athlete of the Year. Miller won the Hobey Baker Award as the top collegiate hockey player, while Mitchell earned All-America honors in both the 1 and 3-meter boards at the NCAA Championships.
Diver Carly Weiden (Kentwood, Mich.) and football player Shaun Mason (Toledo, Ohio) were honored as the Big Ten Conference Medal of Honor winners. Field hockey standout Deb White (Harvey's Lake, Pa.) was selected as the Dr. James Feurig Achievement and Service Award winner, while soccer player Ann Cieszkowski (Bloomfield Hills, Mich.) earned the Chester Brewer Leadership Award.
GEORGE ALDERTON MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
(Presented to the top male athlete of 2000-01)
WINNER: Ryan Miller (Hockey)
Ryan Miller had one of the most incredible performances in college hockey history last season. Miller and the Spartans won the 2001 CCHA regular-season and playoff crowns and advanced to the NCAA Frozen Four. Miller posted a 31-5-4 record, a 1.32 goals against average, a .950 saves percentage and 10 shutouts in 40 starts for MSU. The 10 shutouts were the second-best single-season effort in NCAA history. The .950 saves percentage was the best single-season mark in NCAA history, while the 1.32 GAA was the third-best in NCAA history. He recorded 1,024 saves on the year, the fourth-most stops in Spartan single-season history.
Miller became the NCAA career shutout leader Feb. 17 with his 17th career blanking as the Spartans beat Alaska-Fairbanks, 3-0, passing Clarkson's Wally Easton and Niagara's Greg Gardner. He enters the 2001-02 campaign with 18 career shutouts.
During the season, he reeled off a school-record shutout streak of 229:29, spanning five games between Jan. 14-27. During this streak, he posted three straight shutouts - vs. Miami (Jan. 19 and 20) and vs. Lake Superior State (Jan. 23) - for the second time in his career.
"Ryan's on-ice performance was arguably the greatest season of any goalie in the history of college hockey," said MSU head coach Ron Mason.
The East Lansing, Mich., native won the 2001 Hobey Baker Award, given annually to college hockey's top player. He became just the second goaltender to win the Hobey behind Minnesota's Robb Stauber in 1988 and the second Spartan to earn the award - the first was cousin Kip Miller in 1990. Ryan and Kip became the second set of relatives to win the Hobey, preceded by Fusco brothers Mark (1983) and Scott (1986) of Harvard.
Miller was honored as the USA Hockey College Player of the Year, becoming the second Spartan to win the award (Mike York, 1999). In addition, he was named to the JOFA West All-America First Team. He picked up six CCHA year-end honors, including Player of the Year, Best Goaltender, CCHA Tournament MVP, All-CCHA First Team, league All-Tournament team and CCHA All-Academic special mention.
PAST WINNERS - ALDERTON MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR: 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 and 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 the top female athlete of 2000-01)
WINNER: Summer Mitchell (Swimming and Diving)
Sophomore Summer Mitchell paced MSU's diving program during the 2000-01 season. She was named the Big Ten Co-Diver of the Year, sharing the honor with teammate Carly Weiden. She won the 1-meter dive with a finals round score of 299.35 and finished third on the 3-meter board with a score of 295.70 in the finals round. She became the first Spartan to win the 1-meter board at the Big Ten Championships since Julie Farrell-Ovenhouse was a three-time champion (1989-90-91). In addition, Mitchell was named to the 2001 All-Big Ten team.
The Troy, Mich., native was MSU's only individual scorer at the 2001 NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships. She earned All-America honors in the 3-meter board, placing fourth with a score of 521.95. She also earned honorable mention All-America honors on the 1-meter board with an 11th-place showing (259.70).
"Summer's success is due to outstanding work ethic," commented MSU diving coach John Narcy. "She trains harder than any diver I've ever coached - male or female. She always does more than the standard work out. For example, she's done her own weight training program since high school, and she's religious about it."
Mitchell joins Julie Farrell-Ovenhouse (1989, 1990 and 1991) as the only divers to be named as the Alderton Female Athlete of the Year.
PAST WINNERS - ALDERTON FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR: 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)
FEMALE WINNER: Carly Weiden (Swimming & Diving)
Junior Carly Weiden became the first back-to-back winner of the Big Ten Conference Medal of Honor since cross country/track and field standout Laura Bell (1994 and 1995). The Kentwood, Mich., native was named the Big Ten Co-Diver of the Year, along with teammate Summer Mitchell and was honored as the Big Ten Diver of the Championship for her performance at the 2001 Big Ten Championships. In addition, she was named to the All-Big Ten squad.
Weiden won the 3-meter dive with a finals score of 507.95 and placed third on the 1-meter dive with a finals score of 295.70 at the Big Ten Championships. Weiden became just the third Spartan to ever win the 3-meter event, joining Spartan greats June Manchester (1974) and Julie Farrell-Ovenhouse (1991).
"The Big Ten Medal of Honor is quite an honor and for Carly to win it for two consecutive years is tremendous," said MSU swimming coach Jim Lutz. "She is a great athlete, a tremendous student and a credit to our program."
Weiden, a two-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree, carries a 3.39 grade-point average in education.
BIG TEN CONFERENCE MEDAL OF HONOR - RECENT FEMALE WINNERS: 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).
MALE WINNER: Shaun Mason (football)
Senior guard Shaun Mason was a model of consistency on the offensive line for the Spartan football squad. He closed the 2000 season grading out over 90 percent in every game. The Toledo, Ohio, native also anchored an offensive line that helped produce the Big Ten's fourth- and NCAA's 12th-leading rusher in T.J. Duckett at 123.0 yards per game.
Mason led the team with a MSU single-season record 146 pancakes in 2000, including eight double-figure games. He was named the Spartan Offensive Player of the Week vs. Notre Dame after producing a 97-percent grade and 16 knockdowns. He graded out 97 percent in his home finale vs. Purdue, including 21 pancakes and scored 95 percent vs. Michigan, including a career-best 25 pancakes.
The four-year letterwinner started 23-straight games at right guard. He was a three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree and graduated in 2000 from MSU with a bachelor's degree in kinesiology.
His playing career was cut short by a shoulder injury in the East-West Shrine Game.
"Shaun had an excellent collegiate career and he had the ability to play at the professional level," said MSU head coach Bobby Williams. "Unfortunately, his football career ended with a shoulder injury in an all-star game. Shaun has already finished his degree and he's ready to move on. He will enjoy as much success off the field as he did on it. Shaun represented this football team and University with class."
BIG TEN CONFERENCE MEDAL OF HONOR RECENT MALE WINNERS: 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).
CHESTER BREWER LEADERSHIP AWARD
(Presented to a graduating senior in his or her last year of eligibility for distinguished performance in athletics and scholarship and for possessing a high degree of leadership qualities and skill)
WINNER: Ann Cieszkowski (soccer)
Senior defender Ann Cieszkowski was a three-year letterwinner for the Spartan women's soccer program. She closed her career playing in 56 games, after transferring from Vanderbilt.
Cieszkowski helped anchor the Spartan defense, which finished with nine shutouts in 2000. MSU's team defense was ranked in the top 25 throughout the season.
"Ann is one of the best leaders in the 16-year history of the women's soccer program," said MSU women's soccer coach Tom Saxton. "As a captain, she helped our young team set goals and keep our players focused. She has an incredible will to win."
The Bloomfield Hills, Mich., native graduated from the Honors College with a 3.94 grade-point average and a degree in human biology. She was a three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree and won the Scholar-Athlete Award at the 2001 MSU Academic Gala. In addition, she was named to the Verizon District IV All-Academic First Team and was a second team Academic All-American by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA).
Cieszkowski was a member of the MSU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and the MSU Student-Athlete Support Services leader group.
CHESTER BREWER LEADERSHIP AWARD RECENT WINNERS: 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).
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: Deb White (field hockey)
Deb White was a four-year letterwinner for the women's field hockey team. The defender led the Spartans by example through her hard work, dedication and competitive fire. She was named the team's Most Valuable Player as a senior as well as serving as a team captain. She closed her career playing in 68 games recording one goal and four assists. As a senior, White appeared in 20 games, starting 19.
"Deb was the ultimate student-athlete and maximized all her resources," said MSU field hockey coach Michele Madison. "She not only took from the program but also gave back to the program."
Madison calls White one of the finest students she's ever had in the program. White was a three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection and was named to the National Field Hockey Coaches Association Division I National Academic Team. She won the MSU Medal of Honor for the highest GPA. White received her bachelor's degree in English in May. She was very active on campus during her four years, serving as the field hockey representative to the Michigan State Student-Athlete Advisory Council and represented MSU at the NCAA Leadership Conference. She worked as a tutor and mentor is the Student-Athlete Support Services program for three years.
In addition to a superb academic record, White was very active in the community. She was a four-year participant in the "I've Got Heart" and the Young Spartan Pen Pal programs and was active in the March is Reading Month. She also helped out with the Girl Scouts and was a DARE graduation speaker.
FEURIG ACHIEVEMENT & SERVICE AWARD RECENT WINNERS: 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).