SALEM, Va. --- The finalists for the
prestigious Jostens Trophy were announced today by members of the
Rotary Club of Salem, Va. The club is responsible for the initial
review of annual nominations and narrowed the pool to 10 men's and
10 women's finalists.
The Jostens Trophy is awarded to an outstanding NCAA Division III
men’s and women’s basketball player who excels on the
floor, in the classroom and in the community.
The Salem Rotary Club Jostens Trophy Committee employs a numerical
rating to narrow the list of finalists so that the decision can be
made on the most objective basis possible.
Last year, Carissa Verkaik of Calvin College and Colton Hunt from
Randolph College took home the trophies.
Listed below are the finalists for the 2014 Jostens Trophy:
| Men's finalists | Women's finalists |
| Richie Bonney, Hobart College | Lexi Baltes, Illinois Wesleyan University |
| Galen Holzhueter, Martin Luther College | Lianna Carrero, Albertus Magnus College |
| Trevor Johnson, Nebraska Wesleyan University | Emily DeNoyer, Carroll University |
| Dan Kornbaum, Augsburg College | Katelyn Fischer, Marymount University |
| Gordon Lyons, SUNY Geneseo | Becky Hebert, Fredonia State University |
| Dustin McConnell, Whitworth University | Maureen Hirt, Kenyon College |
| Tyler Peters, Wheaton College (Ill.) | Cydni Matsuoka, Vassar College |
| Ryan Sheehan, Nichols College | Kimberly Takaoka, Chapman University |
| Jared Suderley, Hartwick College | Jill VanEperen, Ripon College |
| David Thompson, Case Western Reserve University | Marla Willard, Monmouth College (Ill.) |
Voters’ ballots are due by March 13 with the winning
schools expected to be notified by March 14. The awards
presentation is scheduled for Thursday, March 20 at the Salem Civic
Center in conjunction with the NCAA Division III men's basketball
semifinals and championship in Salem, Va., on March 21-22.
The Jostens Trophy is a national award created by the Rotary Club
of Salem, Va., to honor the most outstanding men's and women's NCAA
Division III basketball players of the year. The award takes into
account three vital parts: basketball ability, academic prowess and
community service. The trophy models the Rotary International motto
of "Service Above Self" by recognizing those who truly fit the
ideal of the well-rounded NCAA Division III student-athlete. This
year's class marks the 17th year the award has been
presented.
Additional information on the award can be found
at http://www.odaconline.com/jostens