Glendale, Ariz.- Arizona Christian University Athletics celebrated their achievements from the 2023-24 athletic year by hosting the 11th annual Westphal Athletic Awards on Monday night at the Haven Church. Athletes and coaches were recognized for their service, character, and success on the field or court with 16 awards or recognition from Female FIRE-starter to the prestigious Paul Westphal Award.
Basketball players Emily Till and Dominic Gonzalez opened the awards show by welcoming all the Arizona Christian dignitaries, parents, and fellow students. Dynamic Strength Training Director of Performance Rick Gannon started the awards portion by announcing the Female and Male FIRE-Starter Awards. Following several student presenters, Director of Campus Operations John Hoebee and Facilities Manager Darren Neilsen gave out the Good Samaritan Award (a new recognition for a sacrificial act of bravery).
Former Campus Pastor Tim Reed took the stage to give the Service Award with his name in the title. Arizona Christian Board Member Don King was on hand to enthusiastically hand out the Inspirational Award bearing his name. Award winners from previous years- Brent Smith and Mike Mayben- returned to announce the Mike Lusardi Award winner. Travis Turner, ACU Campus Pastor, and Randy Chambers, ACU Transformation Coach, honored ten student-athletes as members of the Champions of Faith (a recognition morphed from the former Female and Male Faith Award). Dr. Peter Dryer- Arizona Christian University Director of Athletics and Dean of Students- closed the evening by highlighting his favorite 11 moments during the 2023-24 athletic year.
Just before Dr. Dryer, Cindy Westphal and Arizona Christian Associate Athletic Director Keith Baker presented the prestigious Paul Westphal Award (think best teammate) to Amaya Brown from beach volleyball.
A new addition was milestone moments that highlighted significant achievements from nearly every ACU team.
The people in attendance had the opportunity to again vote for the Best Play during the 2023-24 athletic year. Marlon Arce edged the competition with his match winning goal against The Master's that punched the ticket of Men's Soccer into the GSAC postseason.
The 2024 Westphal Athletic Award winners are:
Female FIRE-Starter- Joelle Dowdy (Softball)
Male FIRE-Starter- Will Chambers (Football)
Best Game- Alyssa Alvarez (Women's Basketball)
Breakthrough Performance- Emily Till (Women's Basketball)
Comeback Athlete of the Year- Graciela Roybal (Women's Basketball)
Good Samaritan Award- Michael Moreno (Wrestling)
Tim Reed Service Award- Deshon Thomas (Baseball)
Don King Inspirational Award- Claire Buckley (Softball)
Mike Lusardi Award- Josh Gibbs (Assistant Women's Soccer Coach)
Best Play- Marlon Arce (Men's Soccer)
Team of the Year- Beach Volleyball
Female Athlete of the Year- Eva Garraux (Women's Swimming)
Male Athlete of the Year- Marques Titialii (Baseball)
Paul Westphal Award- Amaya Brown (Beach Volleyball)
Champions of Faith Recipients
Amaya Brown (Beach Volleyball), Kourtney Bruner (Women's Track & Field), Madeline Davis (Women's Cross Country), Clayton Dowdy (Football), Noah Froese (Men's Swimming), Drew Gertenrich (Men's Track & Field), Emmi Jacobus (Women's Volleyball), Travin Janssen (Men's Cross Country), Jayme Notgrass (Women's Soccer), Tryton Sobonya (Men's Basketball)
Congratulations to all the Westphal winners, recipients, and nominees.
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