Kearney-The UNK athletic department handed out its annual Louie awards on Tuesday night as the school year is coming to a close. Athletes were honored for their success in their competitions and in the class room. Lily Novacek of Kearney won the Tom Kropp Dedication Award which was the last award handed out on the night. She is the defending D2 national champion in the Hammer throw and this spring has a toss of 218 feet which is the second best effort in D2 history .
The male student athlete of the year is Crew Howard. He was one of six All-Americans on this year’s D2 national championship wrestling team. He was the national runner up at 285 pounds. He was a three time All-American with a 4.00 GPA as an MBA student.
The female student athlete of the year is Peyton Neff of North Platte. She was a four year starter for the Lopers helping UNK to their 26th consecutive NCAA tournament appearence, the MIAA tourney title and the a share of the regular season crown. Neff was the MIAA setter of the year and was a two time First team All-American for the Lopers. She is also an Academic All-American.
