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CITY (VCSU) – The 2012-13 athletic seasons are nearly complete, and with another successful year the Valley City State University athletic department announced its annual athletic awards highlighting the many achievements throughout the year.
The Athlete of the Year awards were earned by juniors Brittany Lehner and Darien Moore. Lehner is a two-sport athlete at VCSU and led the women’s basketball team in scoring averaging 13.4 points, five rebounds. She was an A.I.I. first team All-Conference selection as well as a 2013 Daktronics scholar athlete; she also plays 3rd base on the VCSU softball team where she hit .288 with 15 RBI’s in 22 games. Moore was the 2013 indoor national champion in the hammer throw. This is Moore’s second National title, as he won the 2012 NAIA National Outdoor Track & Field Championships in the Hammer throw. He finished in fifth place in the shot put as well at the 2013 NAIA Indoor Track & Field Championships solidifying a 19th place finish for the Viking Men’s Track and Field team. He holds school records in the shot put, weight throw and hammer throw.
Earning Senior Athlete of the Year awards were men’s basketball player Sekani Milligan and women’s basketball player Katie Ralston. Milligan led the Vikings to their first ever appearance at the NAIA DII National Tournament and was named 2nd-Team NAIA All-American and MVP of the A.I.I. Milligan led the team in scoring 18.3 ppg making 104 3-pt. field goals. Ralston, was the second leading scorer for VCSU averaging 10.2 ppg and 4.1 rebounds ppg. She shot 45% from the field and 38% from the 3 point line.
Honored with the Viking Award were seniors Courtney Titus and Patrick Rogers. Titus is a 4-year starter for the women’s basketball program. She has maintained a 3.9 gpa and honored as a 2-time Daktronics scholar athlete. In her senior season she was selected to the 2013 A.I.I. all-tournament team. She finished the season ranked #26 in steals in the NAIA and scored 734 career points while helping the program earn three trips to the NAIA National Tournament Courtney has been accepted into Creighton School of Law. Rogers, is the only player in the history of the program to play on three teams that won at least 20 games. He is a 2-time NAIA scholar athlete and academic All-American. In addition to varsity athletics, he has participated in the tennis club; served as an ambassador; worked as a night manager in the information desk; worked with intramurals; volunteered on the substance abuse task force and assisted with tax preparations for the elderly.
VCSU Coaches of the Year awards were given to head women’s basketball coach, Jill DeVries and head men’s basketball coach Jeff Kaminsky. DeVries coached her team to their third consecutive NAIA National Tournament appearance and record 24 win season finishing the season rank 25th in the final poll. She earned her 200th career coaching victory during the 2012-13 campaign. Kaminsky led the Vikings to the programs first ever NAIA National Tournament and second consecutive 20-win season while earning his 400th career victory.
Also this month at Valley City State University, the VCSU football team announced its two captains for the 2013 season. Valley City State Football is pleased to announce that Jake Thurston and George Trujillo have been selected as Viking Football captains for the 2013 season.
Senior Jake Thurston is a two-time all-conference selection at linebacker (2011) and safety (2013). From Bottineau, N.D., Thurston is a VCSU exercise science major.
Junior George Trujillo is an offensive lineman from El Paso, Texas, where he played football at Franklin High School. An all-conference selection at tackle for the Vikings last season, Trujillo is majoring in psychology at VCSU.
“Jake and George were elected captains because they have been leading our team for some time,” said Dennis McCulloch, Vikings head coach. “Both are passionate about their teammates, football and VCSU. I’m proud of how both young men have grown into their respective roles within our team and have no doubt they will continue to provide a foundation of leadership for their teammates.”
The Vikings open the 2013 season at Jamestown College on Saturday, August 31.