ONEONTA, N.Y. - The Hartwick College Athletic Department celebrated the accomplishments of its student-athletes, coaches, faculty, staff, and supporters during the annual athletics awards banquet held on Sunday, May 3.
Throughout the evening, the department handed out a variety of honors including the True Blue Award for three and four-year letter winners, the Philip S. Wilder, Jr. Award for academic distinction, team Most Valuable Player awards, and several program-specific recognitions. Hartwick also inducted the third class of Chi Alpha Sigma members, honoring juniors and seniors for their academic success.
Head Athletic Trainer Heidi Hofbauer-Buzzy was recognized with the inaugural SAAC Betty Powell Legacy Award, formerly known as the Student Athlete Advisory Committee Award. The honor is presented to a Hartwick student, staff, or faculty member who demonstrates a strong commitment to athletics and enthusiastic support for student-athletes. The SAAC Executive Board voted to rename the award in honor of longtime Associate Athletic Director Betty Powell, who will retire at the end of the academic year following an incredible 56-year career at Hartwick.
The Paul Spaziani Special Recognition Award, presented in unique situations to individuals who have made a significant impact on Hartwick Athletics, was awarded to Head Field Hockey Coach and Senior Woman Administrator Erin Autera and Aramark Facility Operator Wayne Sperry. Autera was recognized for balancing an elite field hockey program while taking on additional compliance and administrative responsibilities. Sperry earned recognition for his dedication to maintaining Hartwick's athletic facilities, including historic Elmore Field and Wright Stadium, while helping preserve the beauty of the campus grounds.
Betty Powell also received the Tom Greene Memorial Award for Meritorious Service, which honors an individual who has dedicated a lifetime of service to Hartwick Athletics while mentoring and positively impacting generations of student-athletes. Powell's commitment, leadership, and passion for Hartwick Athletics were celebrated throughout the evening.
Hartwick College President Jim Mullen was presented with the Special Coaches Award, given annually to an individual selected by the coaching staff for extraordinary contributions to Hartwick Athletics. Mullen will retire at the conclusion of the academic year following his final year on Oyaron Hill.
Two new awards debuted during this year's ceremony: the SOAR Award and the Play of the Year Award. Student-athletes submitted nominations for both honors, with the SOAR Award voted on exclusively by student-athletes and the Play of the Year Award determined through an online poll.
The SOAR Award recognizes a student-athlete who embodies the core values of Strive, Overcome, Achieve, and Resilience through perseverance, leadership, and dedication both on and off the field. Nominees included Colin August (Garrison, N.Y.), Sophia Palladino (Owego, N.Y.), Autumn Millington (Westmoreland, N.Y.), Audra Doll (Greene, NY), Ellie Kalbach (Spring City, Pa.), Cate Russo (San Pedro, Cal.), Ty Crowley (Wallkill, N.Y.), Jillian Ferrie (Middle Grove, N.Y.), and Nadia Pascucci (Troy, N.Y.).
Sophomore Jillian Ferrie of the women's tennis team was named the inaugural SOAR Award recipient for consistently embodying the award's values throughout the year.
The Play of the Year Award went to junior midfielder Hope Angioletti (Hopewell Junction, N.Y.) of the field hockey team for her dramatic double-overtime golden goal against Cortland, securing Hartwick's first victory over the regional powerhouse since 1996.
The evening concluded with the department's major annual awards, all of which were nominated and voted on by members of the athletic department.
The LeRoy "Sonny" House, Jr. Memorial Award, presented to a student who demonstrates exceptional enthusiasm and dedication to Hartwick Athletics while also serving the campus community, featured nominees Dylan Dwyer (Monroe, N.Y.), Addison Shank (Emmaus, Pa.), Ellie Kalbach, Regan Kelly (Warwick, N.Y.), Shelby Swartz (Candor, N.Y.), and Maggie Van Valkenburgh (Highland, N.Y.).
Senior women's tennis standout Maggie Van Valkenburgh earned the award following one of the most decorated careers in program history. A nursing and Spanish major, Van Valkenburgh helped lead the Hawks to four regular season titles, three Empire 8 Championships, and a perfect 35-0 conference record in singles and doubles play combined. Off the court, she compiled an impressive resume of leadership and academic accomplishments, including CSC Academic All-District honors, ITA Scholar Athlete recognition, Chi Alpha Sigma membership, SAAC involvement, and numerous campus leadership positions.
The M. Beal Banks Award, presented annually to one male and one female student-athlete who pursue excellence while inspiring others through dedication and commitment, featured women's nominees Ashley Ament (Sayreville, N.J.), Millie Caldon (Gilmanton, N.H.), Macy Durkin (Syracuse, N.Y.), Emily Holladay (Hancocks Bridge, N.J.), Kayla Kinkel (Hopewell Junction, N.Y.), Maddi Morrison (Burnt Hills, N.Y.), Cate Russo, Lucille Walker (Ithaca, N.Y.), and Julia Weinschreider (Williamson, N.Y.). Men's nominees included Dan Ely (Burdett, N.Y.), Alex Norgeot (Cohasset, Mass.), Marquis Jones-McKinney (Astoria, N.Y.), and Lane Rawls (Baldwinsville, N.Y.).
Women's tennis senior Maddi Morrison was selected as the female recipient after earning her first career all-conference honors and helping guide Hartwick to its third Empire 8 title in four years. Men's swimming and diving captain Lane Rawls was chosen as the male recipient after concluding his career with a team MVP honor and Empire 8 Tomorrow's Leaders Team recognition.
The Harry Mosher Memorial Award, presented to a senior men's scholar-athlete who exemplifies courage, humility, and devotion to team success, featured nominees Matt Amaturo (Warwick, N.Y.), Timmy McQueeney (Wading River, N.Y.), Lane Rawls, and Christian Szokoli (Greenlawn, N.Y.).
Men's soccer midfielder Timmy McQueeney earned the award after overcoming significant knee injuries throughout the final two seasons of his career while continuing to battle back and contribute, including returning in time for Empire 8 postseason play.
The Margaret Lunn Memorial Award, presented to a senior women's scholar-athlete who demonstrates athletic excellence, leadership, and sportsmanship, included nominees Anna Bischoff (Oneonta, N.Y.), Jammie Decker (Penn Yan, N.Y.), Ellie Kalbach, Jenna Mierek (Prospect, Conn.), and Lily Vanuga (Springville, N.Y.).
Women's tennis senior Lily Vanuga received the award following a standout career that included Empire 8 Tournament MVP honors, multiple all-conference selections, four regular season titles, three Empire 8 Championships, and three NCAA Tournament appearances.
The Tim O'Brien Memorial Award and Brunhilde I. Klinger Memorial Award, recognizing the most outstanding first-year male and female student-athletes, highlighted athletic success, sportsmanship, and positive campus contributions.
Men's nominees included Devin Chandler (Wylie, Texas), Robby Lucas (Clarks Summit, PA), and Nate Roorbach (East Aurora, N.Y.), while women's nominees included Mihaly Blake (Troy, NY), Audra Doll, Adelyn Esce (Cicero, NY), and Ella Grupe (Freehold, N.Y.).
Men's basketball guard Robby Lucas captured the Tim O'Brien Memorial Award after an outstanding first season in which he led the Hawks in nearly every major statistical category, averaging 13.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game.
Women's soccer midfielder Ella Grupe earned the Brunhilde I. Klinger Memorial Award after being named Empire 8 Rookie of the Year. Grupe totaled four goals and four assists during her debut season, including two game-winning goals and a goal in her Empire 8 playoff debut against Utica.
The evening concluded with Hartwick's Male and Female Athlete of the Year awards.
The Roy Chipman Memorial Award, presented to the top male athlete in the department based on athletic performance, character, and sportsmanship, featured nominees Colin August, Cody Bazemore (Bel Air, Md.), Devin Chandler, and Brennan McNeilly (Lindenhurst, N.Y.).
Senior men's lacrosse attackman Colin August earned the award after delivering one of the most dominant seasons in program history. August tied the Hartwick single-season record with 62 goals while also leading the team in ground balls and caused turnovers. He earned two Empire 8 Offensive Player of the Week honors and a selection to the USILA Division III Team of the Week.
The Anna M. Meyer Award, presented to the top female athlete in the department, included nominees Macy Durkin, Ella Grupe, Katelyn Klotz (South Glens Falls, N.Y.), Samantha Lantzy (Valatie, N.Y.), Brooke Lynett (Acton, Mass.), and Shelby Swartz.
Senior volleyball standout Shelby Swartz was named the recipient after a dominant final campaign. Swartz recorded 379 kills, the third-most in program history, surpassed 1,000 career points, and led the Empire 8 with 444 total points. A two-time Empire 8 Player of the Week and ECAC Tournament MVP, she helped lead Hartwick Volleyball to the program's first ECAC Championship, highlighted by a 21-kill performance in the title match against New Jersey City University.
About Hartwick College:
Hartwick, often referred to as The Life Balance College, is a private liberal arts and sciences institution in Oneonta, N.Y. Through its distinctive FlightPath approach, Hartwick blends academic excellence, career preparation and an active campus life to help students achieve a balanced and fulfilling college experience. With transparent tuition and a focus on health and wellness, Hartwick prepares students for lifelong success—both professionally and personally.
