UIC's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) held its sixth annual 'Night to Ignite' Monday evening (April 8) inside Credit Union 1 Arena.
Various SAAC board members served as emcees for the event, which honored student-athletes with specialty awards voted on by their peers for their accomplishments over the past year.
2019 NIGHT TO IGNITE AWARD WINNERS
Rookie of the Year
Presented to a male or female student-athlete in their first year of competition at UIC who made a significant impact in his/her sport for the current season. The rookie of the year has to have competed in 75% of the competitions for their team.
NOMINEES (winner in bold)
Kiera James (VB)
Conner Kiley (MT&F)
Felix Lafortune (MDIVE)
Pau Mateo (MSOC)
Alisa Sheremeta (WGYM)
Best Upset
Presented to the individual or team who has completed the best, most impressive or most significant upset of the athletic year. This upset moment should reflect a victory that others would feel was unexpected.
NOMINEES (winner in bold)
Men's Basketball at Wright State
Men's Distance Medley Relay Team (HL Indoor Championships)
Men's Soccer at Wright State (HL Championship)
Women's Gymnastics at Illinois Classic
Sportsmanship Award
Presented to the team that exemplifies and continuously promotes integrity and sportsmanship on and off the field.
NOMINEES (winner in bold)
Spirit Squads
Swimming & Diving
Volleyball
Women's Soccer
Coach of the Year
Presented to a coach who not only has a successful record with their sport, but who has many other attributes such as; good rapport with other staff and student-athletes, involvement with UIC outside of their sport, and community involvement. It should be evident that this coach has a good reputation among the Horizon League and of course, bleeds fire engine red and navy blue.
NOMINEES (winner in bold)
Susan Bromberg (DIVE)
Lynn Curylo (SB) 2018 season
Peter and Mary Jansson (WGYM)
Sean Phillips (MSOC)
Shannon Tully (WTEN) 2018 season
Training Room All-Star
Presented to a male or female student-athlete who has spent tireless hours in the athletic training room rather than on the field. This student-athlete has their athletic trainer's phone number on speed dial and refers to the trainer as their best friend.
NOMINEES (winner in bold)
Marcelo Dib (MTEN)
Deon Ejim (MBB)
Chris Purdy (MT&F)
Nick Simonian (BASE)
Maddie Spinks (SB)
Weight Room All-Star
Presented to a male or female student-athlete who has spent tireless hours in the weight room. This student-athlete has the strength and conditioning coaches' phone numbers on speed dial and refers to them as their best friend. They are also frequent members of the Power Inc. Club having their name permanently written in dry erase marker on the board.
NOMINEES (winner in bold)
Joey Fredrickson (BASE)
Alimot Lawal (WT&F)
Andrew Lewarchick (MDIVE)
Miki Northern (WGYM)
Shaun Wollenweber (MT&F)
Female Athlete of the Year
Presented to the most valuable female student-athlete who has exhibited an outstanding athletic performance throughout the athletic year. This award is based off of statistics, league & national awards, record-breaking performances, and individual and/or team achievements.
NOMINEES (winner in bold)
Brittany Byrd (WBB)
Allison Hansen (WXC/T&F)
Lexie Joy (WSWIM)
Miki Northern (WGYM)
Peyton Wade (WT&F)
Lexi Watts (SB) 2018 season
Male Athlete of the Year
Presented to the most valuable male student-athlete who has exhibited an outstanding athletic performance throughout the athletic year. This award is based off of statistics, league & national awards, record-breaking performances, and individual and/or team achievements.
NOMINEES (winner in bold)
Alex Bashqawi (MXC/T&F)
Ryan Campbell (BASE) 2018 season
Tarkus Ferguson (MBB)
Jesus Perez (MSOC)
Danny Sivak (MSWIM)
Shaun Wollenweber (MT&F)
Female Flame Thrower (Presented by Lettermen's Club)
Presented to the UIC female senior student-athlete that represents what it means to be the ultimate Flame. Nominees must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, have a significant impact on their team through athletic performance, take on a leadership role, maintain a positive influence both on and off the field, and have been actively involved in community service projects.
NOMINEES (winner in bold)
Karissa Frazier (SB)
Annette Lesnicki (WSWIM)
Carla Salvato (VB)
Kelly Sterling (GOLF)
Male Flame Thrower (Presented by Lettermen's Club)
Presented to the UIC male senior student-athlete that represents what it means to be the ultimate Flame. Nominees must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, have a significant impact on their team through athletic performance, take on a leadership role, maintain a positive influence both on and off the field, and have been actively involved in community service projects.
NOMINEES (winner in bold)
Alvaro de la Fuente (MTEN)
Wes Diveney (MGYM)
Nick Koto (MSWIM)
Noah Masa (BASE)
Tracy Robinson Award
Mike Gilmartin
Video Recap
