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Mizzou's Top Student-Athletes Honored At First Annual ROARS Event

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May 4, 2009

COLUMBIA, Mo. - The University of Missouri Department of Athletics' best and brightest were on display at the first annual ROARS Awards Show, held Monday night on the floor of Mizzou Arena. The event, which was the brainchild of the Mizzou Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, honored numerous student-athletes, coaches and professors who have made 2008-09 one of the most successful in Mizzou history.

Head Men's Basketball Coach Mike Anderson took home a pair of awards Monday night, as he was voted as the Coach of the Year for the Tigers' magical run to the Elite Eight of the 2009 NCAA Tournament. Anderson, who just completed his third season at MU was also recognized with the Coaches' Academic Enhancement Award for his emphasis on academics with his team and their efforts in the classroom.

Zaire Taylor of men's basketball also was a multiple award winner, as he took home awards for male highlight of the year for his game-winning shot against Kansas, as well as winning the male rookie of the year award.

Soccer standout Michelle Collins took home a pair of awards on the evening, as she claimed the Varsity M Female Athlete of the Year, along with the Director of Athletics Leadership Award. Collins' team also won the Team Performance of the Year, for their run to winning the Big 12 Soccer Championship. Soccer also claimed hardware the Community Service Award.

The evening concluded with the awarding of the male and female athlete of the year award. The male honor went to 2008 consensus first-team All-American tight end and Mackey Award winner Chase Coffman. The female award was won by Sarah Shire of gymnastics for her outstanding season that saw her win the Big 12 Conference all-around and advance to the NCAA Championship Finals, where she won All-American honors.

All of Monday's athletic awards were voted on by members of SAAC, with all academic awards voted on by staff members of the Total Person Program.

Here's a rundown of award winners, along with those also nominated for them (winners are denoted with asterisks):

Coach of the Year

Male "For the Love of the Game"

NOTE - Walk-on who makes significant contributions to their team

Female "For the Love of the Game"

NOTE - Walk-on who makes significant contributions to their team

Community Service Award

  • ** Soccer
  • Gymnastics
  • Women's Golf

Male Highlight of the Year

Female Highlight of the Year

Varsity M Male Athlete of the Year

NOTE - Chosen by the Varsity M Association, this award combines the best combined in the categories of athletics and academics

Varsity M Female Athlete of the Year

NOTE - Chosen by the Varsity M Association, this award combines the best combined in the categories of athletics and academics

Male Rookie of the Year

NOTE - Open to freshmen or junior college transfers

Female Rookie of the Year

NOTE - Open to freshmen or junior college transfers

Dr. Judith A Wells Male Academic Achievement Award

Dr. Judith A. Wells Female Academic Achievement Award

Male Unsung Hero Award:

NOTE - Given to someone who is a vital part of leadership to the team in a behind-the-scenes way

Female Unsung Hero Award:

NOTE - Given to someone who is a vital part of leadership to the team in a behind-the-scenes way

Professor of the Year

  • ** Jung Ha-Brookshire - Textile and Apparel Management
  • Cheryl Hall - English
  • Michelle Martindill - Peace Studies

Male Courage Award

NOTE - Given to someone who has overcome significant adversity to succeed in all areas

Female Courage Award

NOTE - Given to someone who has overcome significant adversity to succeed in all areas

Male "We Are Mizzou" Award

NOTE - Given to someone who best encompasses the core values of academic integrity, social responsibility and athletic excellence

Female "We Are Mizzou" Award

NOTE - Given to someone who best encompasses the core values of academic integrity, social responsibility and athletic excellence

Team Performance of the Year

NOTE - Votes were compiled on March 19th

  • ** Soccer - Wins 2008 Big 12 Tournament
  • Baseball - April 11, 2008 win against Texas
  • Men's Basketball - Wins 2009 Big 12 Tournament

Coach's Academic Enhancement Award

NOTE - The head or assistant coach who best fosters and supports the mission of the Total Person Program

  • ** Mike Anderson - Men's Basketball
  • Rob Drass - Gymnastics
  • Lee Pritts - Wrestling

Director of Athletics Leadership Award

Male Athlete of the Year

Female Athlete of the Year

Tiger Cup Award

NOTE - Awarded to the team which won the first annual Tiger Cup Award, a team competition that sports earned for achievement in academics, in athletics and for community involvement

  • ** Gymnastics