Viterbo Hosts 2025 VICTOR Awards
LA CROSSE, Wis. – The Viterbo University Athletics Department honored over 150 student-athletes for their athletic, academic, and service accomplishments on Tuesday night during its annual VICTOR Awards at Celebrations on the River.
62 Athletes earned NAIA or NCNCA scholar athlete recognition, 17 were named Champions of Character, 86 were honored for All-Conference accomplishments, and two team and 11 individuals for national competition qualification. 13 V-Hawks were named All-Americans, and 70 seniors were honored one final time.
This year, Viterbo Athletics added more awards that were nominated and voted upon by the student athletes. These winners include:
V-Hawk Service Award: Lydia Zapuchlak
The V-Hawk Service Award is given to the student-athlete whose peers feel most embodies the Viterbo mission of faithful service and ethical leadership. The winner not only showed dedication and commitment to their performance in the classroom and on their team, but also across the campus and in our community.
Employee Spirit Award: Josh Lichty
This award goes to a Viterbo employee who has shown extra support and love to our athletes and athletic teams during the year.
Chaplain of the Year: Chad Gilbeck
The Chaplain of the Year is chosen based on the team chaplain who went above and beyond for their team that year.
Photo of the Year:
Student-Athletes submitted the most exciting, memorable, or funniest shots from the year, and voted on their favorite.
Moment of the Year: The Baseball team's Spring Huddle Balloon Pop
This award was chosen from a pool of the most impressive athletic feats accomplished by the V-Hawks this year. This could be single match by a team or athlete, post season runs, or record setting performance.
Team Spirit: Baseball
This Award is given to the team whose peers felt showed the most support and energy while cheering on their fellow V-Hawks throughout the year.
Female Iron V-Hawk: Emily McCurdy
Male Iron V-Hawk: Mateo Torres
The Strength and Conditioning staff joined in on the awards this year, by debuting the Iron V-Hawk Award. This is given to a male and female athlete who has demonstrated focus, commitment, and leadership with strength and conditions.
Female Golden Crutch: Julie Woodman
Male Golden Crutch: Noah Diedrich
This is given to a male and female athlete that is model patient in the Athletic Training Room, exudes positivity, encourages others, and makes their health a priority, all while contributing to their sport, the classroom experience, and the Viterbo community in general. Additionally, this student-athlete has overcome adversity in some form during this academic year.
Female Senior Scholar Athlete: Rebecca York
Male Senior Scholar Athlete: Bryant Koenig
Each year, the graduating senior Student-Athlete with the highest cumulative GPA is awarded with the Senior Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award.
Female Newcomer of the Year: Avery Poppe
Male Newcomer of the Year: Xavier Gilmore
The Newcomers of the Year are voted on by the Athletics staff. A student-athlete using their first season of eligibility at Viterbo (freshman, redshirt, transfer) is eligible.
Female Athlete of the Year: Olivia Wingo
Male Athlete of the Year: Brett Stuessel
All athletes are eligible to be nominated for the Athlete of the Year, and are voted on by the athletics staff for their exceptional athletic achievements.
The full ceremony can be watched here.