This past Sunday, the University of Portland Athletic Department and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) held the fifth annual Wallys. The event honored and recognized the accomplishments of the teams, student-athletes and Athletics staff throughout the 2017-18 season, with the majority of nominees and award winners being presented by the student-athletes themselves.
Some athletes and coaches felt the event was marred by comments made by the emcee, Goutham Sundaram.
Here’s a list of the winners of all 18 awards, which were voted on by mostly student-athletes as well.
Female Rookie of the Year: Taryn Ries (WSOC) and Liz Reich (VB)
Male Rookie of the Year: Emmanuel Roudolff-Levisse (MXC/TF)
Coach of the Year: Rob Conner (XC/TF)
Behind the Scenes Award: Glenna Andrews (Academic Development)
Academic Achievement Award: Brent Knutzen (XC/TF)
Pilot Cup Winner: Women’s Cross Country
Mr. Portland: Nick Hauger (MXC/TF)
Ms. Portland: Allegra Vanderwilde (WXC/TF)
Sam Bridgman Award: Rachelle Owens (WBB)
Honorary Wallys Award: Bill Reed
Most Inspirational: Brianne Zbylicki (Rowing)
Community Service Award: Women’s Soccer
Athletic Director Award: Phillip Hartwitch (MBB) and Rachelle Owens (WBB)
Male International Athlete: Michael Pervolarakis (MTEN)
Female International Athlete: Sara Zaragoza (WBB)
Male Student-Athlete of the Year: Jeff Thies (MXC)
Female Student-Athlete of the Year: Taryn Rawlings (WXC)
Game of the Year: Men’s XC at Nationals