by Elise Goitia '18

Integrity, character, scholarship, and commitment are just some of the qualities recognized in Knox College student-athletes during the 2017 Athletic Awards Banquet.

This year, baseball player Drake Sykes ‘17 was awarded not one, but two awards: the John W. Hilding Prize and the Harley Knosher Male Athlete of the Year Award.

"It's pretty amazing," he commented. "I couldn't ask for anything more. I ended up calling the group of guys that'd be there every day my family, my brothers."

"It's been a roller coaster ride," he added. "You meet a lot of new people and see others go, but in the end it was a great experience. I loved it."

Sykes, who played outfield for the Prairie Fire during his baseball career, transferred to Knox after his first year in college. He was honored as the only student in Knox history to receive the Harley Knosher Award twice in two years. It is given to the outstanding male athlete of the year.

"Without the support throughout the years, whether it was from the coaches, team, or my family, I don't think I'd be where I am today," Sykes said.

Among his accomplishments, Sykes set school records for career hits (171), career total bases (284), and career stolen bases (44) in only three years of playing. He was also named the reigning Midwest Conference South Player of the Year, the Midwest Conference Performer of the Week, and part of the ABCA/Rawlings All-American Third Team.

Pictured below: Drake Sykes '17 on base for the Prairie Fire baseball team.

Athletic Award Recipients

David Agar Athletic Service Award
Awarded to the person or persons with the most outstanding contributions to athletics in a non-competitive capacity.
Terrie Saline

Evelyn Bielefeldt Award
Given to the senior female student-athlete with the most outstanding career in intercollegiate athletics.
Madeline Bruce ‘17

John W. Hilding Prize
Given to the senior male student-athlete with the most outstanding career in intercollegiate athletics.
Drake Sykes ‘17

Jeff Sandburg Mental Toughness Award
Given to the senior student-athlete who is judged to have dealt most effectively with adversity during his or her Knox career.
Keiyah Triplett ‘17

Cleave Bridgman Trophy
Awarded to the male student-athlete selected as the "outstanding performer in an individual sport" in a given year.
Malik Hamilton ‘19

Michel Loomis Award
Awarded to the female student-athlete selected as the "outstanding performer in an individual sport" in a given year.
Val Varanese ‘19

Dean Trevor Memorial Award
Given to the senior male student-athlete who exemplifies the traits of Dean Trevor, which includes competitive excellence, integrity, honesty and commitment to scholarship.
Kam Wells ‘17

Dean S. Trevor Award for Women
Given to the senior female student-athlete who exemplifies the traits of Dean Trevor, which includes competitive excellence, integrity, honesty and commitment to scholarship.
Carley Bechen ‘17

K-Club Award-Men
Conferred on the male student-athlete who maintained an outstanding academic record during his sophomore year, lettered in two sports, and is selected by the athletics department staff as contributing most significantly to the athletics program.
Malik Hamilton ‘19

K-Club Award-Women
Conferred on the female student-athlete who maintained an outstanding academic record during her sophomore year, lettered in two sports, and is selected by the athletics department staff as contributing most significantly to the athletics program.
Emily Miller ‘19

Arvid Pierre Zetterberg, Jr. Prize for Men
Given to student-athlete who, during his first year, exemplified the highest quality of character, scholarship, and interest in sports.
Joseph Auger ‘20

Arvid Pierre Zetterberg, Jr. Prize for Women
Given to student-athlete who, during her first year, exemplified the highest quality of character, scholarship, and interest in sports.
Taylor "Cayne" Randle ‘20

David Robinson Fan of the Year Award
Given to the person or persons deemed to have given Knox teams the most sincere and comprehensive support during any given year.
Jeffry Dennis

Harley Knosher Male Athlete of the Year Award
Given to the outstanding male athlete of the year.
Drake Sykes ‘17

Harley Knosher Female Athlete of the Year Award
Given to the outstanding female athlete of the year.
Sierra Daniger ‘19