Major Athletic Award Winners Announced at Michigan State
Major Athletic Award Winners Announced at Michigan State
Charles Rogers named Alderton Male Athlete of the Year; Michelle Carson and Jamie Krzyminski named Alderton Co-Female Athletes of the Year
July 1, 2003
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 2002-03.
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. A panel of administrators and head coaches selected the winners.
Football standout Charles Rogers (Saginaw, Mich.) was named the George Alderton Male Athlete of the Year, while juniors Michelle Carson (Winnipeg, Manitoba) and Jamie Krzyminski (Corunna, Mich.) were selected as the George Alderton Female Co-Athletes of the Year. Rogers, who was selected by the Detroit Lions with the No. 2 pick in the 2003 NFL draft, won the Biletnikoff Award as college football's top receiver in 2002. Carson won the 2002 Big Ten Cross Country Championship and was selected as the Cross Country Athlete of the Year. Meanwhile, Krzyminski earned All-America honors in the 10,000 meters at the 2003 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.
Diver Stephanie Anisko (Mississauga, Ontario) and men's soccer player Tyler Robinson (Lansing, Mich.) were honored as the Big Ten Conference Medal of Honor winners. Softball standout Sandy Lewis (Empire, Mich.) received the Chester Brewer Leadership Award, while Brad Fast (Kalamazoo, Mich.), a senior on the hockey team, earned the Dr. James Feurig Achievement and Service Award.
AWARD WINNER George Alderton Male Athlete of the Year Charles Rogers (football)George Alderton Female Athlete of the Year Michelle Carson (cross country) and Jamie Krzyminski (cross country/track and field)
Big Ten Conference Medal of Honor (Male) Tyler Robinson (soccer)
Big Ten Conference Medal of Honor (Female) Stephanie Anisko (swimming & diving)
Chester Brewer Leadership Award Sandy Lewis (softball)
Dr. James Feurig Achievement & Service Award Brad Fast (ice hockey)
GEORGE ALDERTON MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR (Presented to the top male athlete of 2002-03)
WINNER: Charles Rogers (football)
Junior wide receiver Charles Rogers (Saginaw, Mich./Saginaw) left his mark on the Spartan football program in just two short years. The Detroit Lions made him their No. 2 pick in the 2003 National Football League Draft to become MSU's fifth first-round draft pick since 1999.
"I'm speechless," said Rogers. "I'm honestly surprised to be named recipient of the George Alderton Award. I'm thankful for this recognition because there are many championship-caliber athletes on the MSU campus. MSU's basketball and hockey players also receive a lot of media attention but I know deserving athletes from each of the 12 varsity sports. I will cherish this honor for the rest of my life."
Rogers won the 2002 Biletnikoff Award as college football's top receiver and was selected as the 2002 Paul Warfield Trophy recipient as college football's receiver of the year by the Touchdown Club of Columbus. He was a Consensus All-American and was selected to the All-Big Ten First Team by both the coaches and media.
"In my 42 years of coaching, Charles Rogers is arguably the best receiver I've ever been associated with," said former MSU interim head coach/offensive coordinator Morris Watts. "His rare combination of size and speed is what separates him from the rest.
"From the day that Charles arrived on the MSU campus, he worked at becoming the best receiver in the country. Charles was a remarkably consistent playmaker, especially when you consider that he was the main focus of every defense he faced in 2002."
The 2002 team MVP caught a school-record 68 passes for 1,351 yards and 13 touchdowns. His receiving yards and TD catches represent the second-best single-season totals in MSU history. In doing so, he became only the second receiver in MSU history to record back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, joining Plaxico Burress (Pittsburgh Steelers), who accomplished the feat in 1998-99. Rogers caught 67 passes for a school-record 1,470 yards in 2001.
He led the Big Ten in receiving yards (112.6 per game) and TD receptions, while ranking third in receptions (5.67 per game). He also ranked among the NCAA leaders in TD catches (third), receiving yards (eighth) and receptions (t-27th). Fifty-seven of his 68 receptions (84 percent) resulted in first downs.
With his 21-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter vs. Northwestern (Sept. 28), Rogers set both NCAA and Big Ten records by catching a TD pass in his 13th-consecutive regular-season and his 14th-straight game overall.
He finished his career ranked among MSU's all-time leaders in touchdown receptions (first with 27), receiving yards (second with 2,821), yards per catch (second at 20.9), receptions (third with 135) and scoring (12th with 174 points). He produced a school-record 12 career 100-yard receiving games, including a Spartan single-game record 270 yards vs. Fresno State (10 receptions) in the 2001 Silicon Valley Football Classic.
PAST WINNERS - ALDERTON MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR: 2003-Charles Rogers (football); 2002-Paul Terek (track and field); 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 2002-03)
CO-WINNERS: Michelle Carson (cross country) and Jamie Krzyminski (cross country/track & field)
Juniors Michelle Carson (Winnipeg, Manitoba/Vincent Massey) and Jamie Krzyminski (Corunna, Mich./Corunna) are the co-winners of MSU's George Alderton Female Athlete of the Year award.
 Cross Country standout Michelle Carson earned MSU's George Alderton Female Co-Athlete of the Year.  |
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Carson earned All-American honors in cross country after finishing 20th at the 2002 NCAA Championships (20:25.6). In doing so, she became just the eighth MSU cross country athlete to earn All-America honors at the NCAA Championships and the first since 2000. Her 20th-place showing was the second-best finish ever for a Spartan, behind Anne Pewe's 14th-place showing in 1981.
In addition, she won the Big Ten Cross Country Championship (17:24.0) to become MSU's first individual champion since Misty Allison won the 1991 title. In doing so, she was selected as the Big Ten Cross Country Athlete of the Year and was an All-Big Ten First-Team honoree.
"Although relatively early in her career, Michelle has established herself as arguably the best cross country runner in MSU history," said MSU head cross country coach Jim Stintzi. "She has an outstanding work ethic and achieves her goals through patience, perseverance and determination. She has the rare ability to set a goal and take all the steps necessary and make all the sacrifices necessary to achieve her goals.
"Michelle is an outstanding leader. In her time at MSU, the level of training amongst her team members has risen dramatically, mostly due to her intensity."
The cross country team MVP also captured the individual titles at the Roy Griak and Spartan Invitationals. She was selected as the Big Ten Cross Country Athlete of the Week four times during the 2002 season and set three course records during the year.
In addition, Carson represented Canada at the World Cross Country Championships, where she placed 42nd on the 8K course and was the top Canadian finisher. She earned the spot on the Canadian team after finishing seventh in the Senior Women's race (over 19 years old) at the Canadian National Cross Country Championships on Nov. 30, in Moncton, New Brunswick.
"I was really surprised when coach (Angela) Goodman called to tell me the news," said Carson. "I hadn't been expecting it at all. It's quite an honor to be recognized out of all the great athletes at the whole university. I didn't realize I was even in the running to receive the award. I think it's a nice way to top off the year after a good cross country season."
Carson, who holds a 3.95 grade-point average in dietetics, earned 2003 Verizon/CoSIDA Academic All-America First-Team honors for the first time in her career. She is a two-time Verizon/CoSIDA Academic All-District First-Team and Academic All-Big Ten honoree.
Krzyminski earned All-America honors for the second-straight season by placing fifth in the 10,000-meter run at the 2003 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, smashing her own school record with a time of 32:52.87.
 Jamie Krzyminski was selected as MSU's George Alderton Co-Female Athlete of the Year. |
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"Jamie is one of the hardest working athletes that I have coached in many years," said Stintzi. "She is dedicated, determined and willing to make the necessary sacrifices to reach her goals and help her teammates reach their goals.
"Jamie is a great racer with outstanding competitive instincts. She has already set two school records, won two individual Big Ten titles and made four trips to the NCAA Championships, earning All-America honors."
She was the 2003 Big Ten Indoor Champion in the 5,000 (16:30.52) and the 2003 Big Ten Outdoor Champion in the 10,000 (34:54.96) en route to earning MVP honors for the track and field team. She also finished 16th in the 5,000 meters at the 2003 NCAA Indoor Championships (16:40.37). She set an MSU indoor record while capturing the title in the 5,000 at the Armory Invitational (16:17.50) on Feb. 14.
In addition, Krzyminski placed second at the 2002 Big Ten Cross Country Championships (27:34.8), fifth at the NCAA Great Lakes Regional (21:21.0) and 33rd at the NCAA Championships (20:46.7). She earned All-Big Ten First-Team honors in cross country.
Most recently, she finished in seventh place in the 10,000-meter run at the 2003 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in June.
"It's a great honor to be picked from all the athletes at MSU and I think it's great especially to be able to share it with my roommate (Michelle Carson) - it makes it that much more memorable," said Krzyminski.
Krzyminski, who carries a 3.90 grade-point average in finance, earned 2003 Verizon/CoSIDA Academic All-America Second-Team honors for the first time in her career. In addition, she was selected to the Verizon/CoSIDA Academic All-District First-Team and Academic All-Big Ten squad.
PAST WINNERS - ALDERTON FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR: 2003-Michelle Carson (cross country) and Jamie Krzyminski (cross country/track & field); 2002-Emily Bastel (golf); 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: Stephanie Anisko (swimming & diving)
Senior diver Stephanie Anisko (Mississauga, Ont./Philip Pocock) is the perfect example of blending athletics and academics at Michigan State.
 Stephanie Anisko was MSU's Conference Medal Of Honor winner. |
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"This is a tremendous honor for Stephanie," said MSU swimming and diving head coach Jim Lutz. "Stephanie is the epitome of what a student-athlete should be. She excels not only in athletics, but also in academics. She represents the priorities of this program."
Anisko, a three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree, graduated in May with a perfect 4.0 grade-point average in kinesiology. She earned 2003 Verizon/CoSIDA Academic All-America First-Team honors to become just the second member of the Spartan swimming and diving program to earn the honor (Julie Farrell-Ovenhouse in 1991 was the first).
In addition, she is a two-time Academic All-District honoree. She earned MSU's Student-Athlete Support Services President's Award, given annually to the female student-athlete with the highest GPA.
The co-captain won a combined 13 events for MSU on the one- and three-meter boards in 2002-03. She was selected as the Big Ten Diver of the Week three times during the season and received MSU's Most Valuable Diver Award.
A three-time member of the swimming and diving program's 100% Commitment Award, Anisko concluded her MSU career with her fourth appearance in the Big Ten Championships and her third appearance at the NCAA Diving Zones.
"Stephanie is one of the greatest athletes that I have ever had the opportunity to coach," said MSU diving coach Eric Best. "She is extremely dedicated to her sport, her studies and her school. She is a perfect example of what you think of when you think of a student-athlete."
BIG TEN CONFERENCE MEDAL OF HONOR - RECENT FEMALE WINNERS: 2003-Stephanie Anisko (swimming & diving); 2002-Carly Weiden (swimming & diving) and Krista Buzzell (crew); 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: Tyler Robinson (soccer)
After serving as the back-up goalkeeper for his first three seasons, Tyler Robinson (Lansing, Mich./Waverly) had a break-out year for the Spartans in 2002-03.
Robinson posted a 12-6 record, along with six shutouts, a 1.23 goals-against average and 107 saves in goal for the Spartans. He ranked among the Big Ten leaders in saves (first), shutouts (tied for fourth) and GAA (seventh).
 Tyler Robinson was MSU's Conference Medal of Honor winner. |
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"In addition to posting outstanding statistics, Tyler provided the MSU defense with great leadership in 2002," said MSU head coach Joe Baum. "His communication to the defenders was outstanding, and the strength and courage he displayed in times of adversity was an inspiration to the whole team. He had one of the finest seasons in goal that I have witnessed in my 26 years as the head men's soccer coach."
For his efforts, Robinson was selected to the All-Big Ten First Team to become the first Spartan goaltender to earn first-team honors since 2000. He earned All-Great Lakes Region First-Team honors, in addition to Collegesoccernews.com honorable mention All-America distinction.
Robinson earned MSU's Student-Athlete Support Services President's Award, given annually to the male student-athlete with the highest GPA. The four-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree gradated from MSU in May with a bachelor's degree in secondary education-history. He earned Verizon/CoSIDA Academic All-America Second-Team honors and Academic All-District First-Team accolades for his 3.96 grade-point average.
"In addition to being a great player, Tyler is also a great person," said Baum. "He is a humble and caring individual who always puts team concerns above his own individual goals."
BIG TEN CONFERENCE MEDAL OF HONOR RECENT MALE WINNERS: 2003-Tyler Robinson (soccer); 2002-Josh Thornhill (football); 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: Sandy Lewis (softball)
Perhaps senior centerfielder Sandy Lewis (Empire, Mich./Glen Lake) was paid the greatest compliment by her head coach Jacquie Joseph when she said that through Sandy's own desire, dedication and commitment - she leaves Michigan State as a very good student and an excellent softball player.
 Sandy Lewis received MSU's Chester Brewer Leadership award. |
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Lewis had an outstanding senior campaign en route to earning All-America Third-Team honors. She led MSU in batting average (.369), runs (39), runs batted in (37) and on-base percentage (.472), while tying for first in hits (65) and ranking second in steals (22), doubles (11), walks (28) and sacrifices (15). Her batting average was sixth best in a single-season in MSU history, and she also made the MSU single-season top 10 charts in runs (tied for third), hits (tied for fourth), stolen bases (fifth), walks (fifth), RBIs (tied for sixth), doubles (tied for eighth) and sacrifices (tied for eighth).
She was named first-team All-Great Lakes Region and first-team All-Big Ten, was twice named Big Ten Co-Player of the Week and was named to the NCAA Region 2 All-Tournament and Big Ten All-Tournament teams.
"Sandy's work ethic is second to none as she is typically the first player to practice and the last to leave," said Joseph. "She is a rare leader, one who is not only a good player herself, but a player who elevates the play of her teammates. She has the ability to jump on her teammates when needed, to either motivate them or carry out a coach's wish while maintaining her teammates' respect. She is what I would call a total package."
She earned Verizon/CoSIDA Academic All-America First-Team honors, becoming the first Spartan softball player since 1999 to earn the honor. Lewis holds a 3.6 grade-point average in human biology and was a three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree.
Off the field, Lewis is very active serving on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and the Pen Pals and I've Got Heart programs. In addition, she has volunteered at The Black Child and Family Institute in Lansing and the Coats For Kids program in Glen Lake.
"Sandy is a self-directed, independently motivated life-long learner," continued Joseph. "She has worked very hard to get to where she is today. She made a significant impact at Michigan State, both academically and athletically."
CHESTER BREWER LEADERSHIP AWARD RECENT WINNERS: 2003-Sandy Lewis (softball); 2002-Adam Hall (hockey); 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: Brad Fast (hockey)
Senior defenseman Brad Fast (Fort St. John, B.C.) was a four-year letterwinner in hockey (1999-2003) and served as an assistant captain in 2001-02 and the team captain in 2002-03.
 Spartan hockey captain Brad Fast earned MSU's Dr. James Feurig Achievement and Service Award. |
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"Brad possesses leadership qualities far beyond what you might think for his quiet, soft-spoken personality," said head hockey coach Rick Comley. "In his role as team captain, he stepped forward and demanded of his teammates in times of adversity. Brad was able to do this because of his dedication on a personal level.
"No one worked harder on or off the ice, his effort as a student-athlete was impeccable and his desire to win was unmatched. When you bring all these traits and you are an all-league player, you can demand of others with confidence. Brad has set this stage and then had the sense and poise to use it at the right times."
As a senior in 2002-03, Fast appeared in 39 games and was the team's second-leading scorer with 11 goals and 35 assists for 46 points. His 46 points ranked second among CCHA defensemen in scoring and was third in the country in points per game among blueliners (1.18).
For his efforts, he was selected to the JOFA All-America Second Team and received the CCHA's Best Defensive Defenseman award, in addition to earning All-CCHA First-Team honors. At the 2003 Spartan hockey banquet, Fast received the Spartan hockey Dr. John Downs Outstanding Defensive Player and the Amo Bessone Awards. The Amo Bessone Award is presented for athletic, scholastic and community participation.
Fast closed his career playing in 164 games (out of a possible 164 games) and totaled 30 goals and 84 assists for 114 points. The 114 points ranks seventh all-time on MSU's career defensemen scoring chart.
The Fort St. John, B.C., native holds a 3.39 grade-point average and graduated in May (2003) with his bachelor's degree in general management. He was selected to the Verizon District IV All-Academic Second Team and spent five semesters on MSU's Dean's List. He was a three-time CCHA All-Academic team (honorable mention in 2001 and 2003 and first team in 2002) member and three-time Big Ten Academic At-Large honoree (2001, 2002 and 2003).
Fast has been active with MSU's "I've Got Heart" program. He also participated in the "Play Catch With a Kid Day" at Oldsmobile Park and served as a DARE graduation speaker. In addition, he was a volunteer for the Michigan State Safeplace run, participated in a community outreach with local firemen and police officers and the annual "Skate with the Spartans."
FEURIG ACHIEVEMENT & SERVICE AWARD RECENT WINNERS: 2003-Brad Fast (hockey); 2002-Adam Hall (hockey); 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).