COLUMBIA, Mo. - Mizzou Athletics recognized the many extraordinary accomplishments, both in competition and beyond, of its student-athletes at its annual awards show, ROARS, on Monday evening at the Missouri Theatre. Considered "part ESPYs, part Oscars, all Mizzou" in its presentation, the ninth-annual ROARS highlighted the Tigers' many triumphs during 2016-17.
Earning Female Athlete of the Year was cross country and track & field's Karissa Schweizer (Urbandale, Iowa), who has claimed two NCAA individual championships this season, winning the NCAA Cross Country Championship in November and the 5000m run at the NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships in March.
Mizzou's Male Athlete of the Year award was received by wrestling's J'den Cox (Columbia, Mo.). The 197-pounder won his third NCAA title at the weight in March to conclude his senior campaign at an undefeated 28-0 and career as the program's second four-time All-American.
Mizzou Swimming & Diving head coach Greg Rhodenbaugh was named Coach of the Year, with the Tigers' pool-dwelling student-athletes posting another banner season. The men's program placed ninth at the 2017 NCAA Championships, which stands as the second-highest placement ever for the program and a second consecutive Top 10 national finish. The women's program also earned its second-best finish ever at the national meet, placing 13th as a group.
Mizzou Volleyball was awarded Team of the Year, with head coach Wayne Kreklow's group claiming its second SEC Championship in the past four seasons and advancing to the program's first Sweet 16 since the 2010 season.
Also notably, Mizzou's "Varsity M" Student-Athletes of the Year honors were bestowed upon women's basketball senior Lindsey Cunningham (Columbia, Mo.) and football junior Nate Brown (Suwanee, Ga.).
In addition, the Director of Athletics Leadership Award was presented by Mizzou AD Jim Sterk to track & field's Emma Vickers (Kansas City, Kan.).
Mizzou's Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC) voted on the athletic achievement awards, while the Total Person Program's staff voted on academic honors.
A full rundown of the evening's awards and honors are below. For the latest on Mizzou Athletics, be sure to follow along on Twitter (@MizzouAthletics).
2017 ROARS Award Winners
Coach of the Year
Greg Rhodenbaugh
Male "For the Love of the Game"
Blake Pepper – Wrestling
Female "For the Love of the Game"
Kadi Fauble – Tennis
Community Service Award
Baseball
Male Highlight of the Year
Fabian Schwingenschlogl - Swimming
Female Highlight of the Year
Karissa Schweizer – Cross Country
MizzouMade Staff Award
Clay Rogers
Female "Varsity M" Student-Athlete of the Year
Lindsey Cunningham – Basketball
Male "Varsity M" Student-Athlete of the Year
Nate Brown – Football
Female Rookie of the Year
Sarah Luebbert – Soccer
Male Rookie of the Year
Rory Franssen – Golf
Female Dr. Judy Wells Academic Achievement Award
Erin Metzger-Seymour – Swimming
Male Dr. Judy Wells Academic Achievement Award
Tavon Ross – Football
Professor of the Year
Dr. Mauro Palmero
Male Courage Award
Adam Ploudre – Football
Female Courage Award
Savannah Trujillo – Soccer
Mr. "Mizzou Made"
J'den Cox – Wrestling
Ms. "Mizzou Made"
Lianna Doty – Basketball
Team Performance of the Year
Volleyball
Coach's Academic Enhancement Award
Steve Bieser
Director of Athletics Leadership Award
Emma Vickers – Track and Field
Female Athlete of the Year
Karissa Schweizer – Cross Country/Track and Field
Male Athlete of the Year
J'den Cox – Wrestling