Feb. 2, 2001
Columbia, Mo. - The Women's Intersport Network (WIN) for Columbia held its fourth annual luncheon and awards banquet on Friday. The University of Missouri athletic department had two staff members and one athlete receive recognition for their contribution to the athletics community of Columbia.
Head Volleyball Coach Susan Kreklow, Associate Athletic Director Sarah Reesman and MU track star Ashley Wysong each received individual honors from WIN. Kreklow picked up the Coach of the Year Award, Reesman received the Mentor of the Year Award while Wysong was awarded the Collegiate Sportswoman of the Year Award.
For Kreklow, who was named the 2000 Big 12 Coach of the year, this was her fourth award, but it was much different from the accolades she had received in the past. Kreklow and her husband Wayne made the very effective transition from NAIA Columbia College last February and proceeded to turn a struggling Missouri program into an NCAA-Tournament qualifying squad. The Tigers finished the season at 24-7 and drew seven of the ten largest crowds in school history under the Kreklow's tutelage.
" I think this is a direct reflection of the strides our program has made in the past year," Kreklow said. "I am honored to receive the award, but it is definitely a team award. From our staff, to our players, to our fans, the support the community of Columbia has offered our program has been outstanding."
Reesman, who acts as MU Associate Athletic Director and Senior Women's Administrator, picked up her first Mentor of the Year WIN award. Reesman has played a large role in the promotion of women's athletic at MU through her overseeing of various programs such as swimming, gymnastics, volleyball, soccer and tennis.
"The advancement of women's athletics at MU and the community of Columbia is exciting," Reesman said. "This award is a great honor because I know both of the other nominees that were up for this award very well and they were also very deserving."
Reesman has been a leader and an advocate for female athletes and sports in the Columbia area as a board member of WIN for Columbia and the President of the organization for two years.
Senior Ashley Wysong is also an award recipient. The senior is the daughter of Kathi and Tim Wysong of Nevada Mo., and a four-time All-American in track and field. She is a Conley Scholar majoring in biology, chemistry and psychology and has been accepted to MU Medical School. Wysong is also president of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) at Mizzou and is the Big 12 SAAC representative.
WIN for Columbia is an organization promoting the importance of participation of girls and women in athletic and physical fitness activities. WIN strives to increase the athletic opportunities for girls and women in the Columbia area, as well as recognize athletic achievement.