McLean County Times

The sixth annual "Victory With Honor Senior Banquet" took place on May 2 in Bloomington, Illinois. The event recognized senior student-athletes from Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU) for their achievements in sports and community service.

Caelyn Steffens, a women's soccer player from Normal, Illinois, received the Barb Cothren Award. This award is named after a longtime IWU coach and women's athletic administrator. Charlie Hamilton, a football player from Springfield, Illinois, was honored with the Dennie Bridges Award, which bears the name of another respected IWU coach and athletic director.

J.D. Barrett, who participates in men's cross country and track and field, was awarded the Jason Jones True Titan Award. This accolade is given to a senior student-athlete who exemplifies high character within the Titan Athletic Community. The award commemorates Jason Jones, a former Titan athlete who died in a plane crash in April 2015.

Madison Moore from Verona, Wisconsin, a softball player, and Keondre Schumacher from Bloomington, Illinois, known for his performance in men's track and field, were co-recipients of the Steve Doran Award. This award honors those who excel in community service as part of the Titan Athletic Community. It is named after Steve Doran, a former basketball player turned oral surgeon known for his humanitarian work before he passed away during a medical mission trip to Haiti in December 2018.

The "Order of Titans" awards are given annually by IWU's coaching and physical education staff based on academic achievements, athletic contributions, and general citizenship. These awards have been inclusive of female athletes since 1976. Recipients receive lifetime passes to IWU home athletic events.

The 2023 Order of Titans honorees include:

For women: Kelly Carlson (basketball & lacrosse), Natalie Grubczak (softball), Jenna Li (soccer), Nina Mardjetko (softball), Kinlee Miller (track and field), Lauren Shanks (soccer), Caelyn Steffens (soccer), Rachel White (soccer).

For men: J.D. Barrett (cross country & track & field), Christian Gatsos (track & field), Charlie Hamilton (football), Lucas Heflen (basketball), Carson Kiichle (lacrosse), Connor Kiichle (lacrosse), Cody Mitchell (basketball), Conor Murphy (football), Davis Nguy (track and field), Ethan Ruth (track and field), Keondre Schumacher (track and field), Anthony Wachal Jr. (football).