There were many memorable moments during 2022 for area sports teams and athletes. Several teams put together sterling seasons that will never be forgotten. Athletes rose to the top achieving success on and off the field of play.
Ottawa University cross country runners Destiny Escobar and Caleb Meyer were selected as KCAC Champions of Character. The NAIA Champions of Character program aims to inspire student-athletes, coaches, officials, and fans to hold high standards and embody what character truly means in a competitive arena.
The Ottawa University men’s lacrosse team added a player for the 2023-24 season with the signing of Riley Daniel, Omaha, Nebraska. He is currently in his senior year at Millard North High, where he has been the captain of the lacrosse team the past two seasons.
The Kansas Shrine Bowl Board of Directors has released the names of the assistant coaches for the 50th Kansas Shrine Bowl Presented by Mammoth. Assistant coaches are chosen based on the success of their season, as well as eligibility limitations and coach availability. The coaching staffs for the 2023 Kansas Shrine Bowl features 14 of the most talented and respected coaches in the state, including five former All-Stars. The 50th Kansas Shrine Bowl Presented by Mammoth will be played at Lewis Field Stadium, on the campus of Fort Hays State University, at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 15.
Ottawa University athletics sits in eighth place out of the 13 schools with 38.5 points after the fall season in the KCAC Commissioner’s Cup standings. Saint Mary sits atop the standings.
The Ottawa University women’s bowling team finished off the 2022 portion of its schedule with a mammoth performance. The Lady Braves were the runner-up at the Collegiate Shootout at the South Point Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.
The Ottawa University men’s soccer team has been awarded the KCAC Champions of Character Team of the Year honor. Jack Hatswell was selected as the outstanding individual of character from the Ottawa men’s soccer team.
Ottawa University football team had six players named as 2022 Daktronics NAIA Football Scholar-Athletes. There were more than 900 student-athletes honored nationally.
The nationally-ranked Ottawa University men’s wrestling team is busy filling out the roster for the 2023-24 season. Ottawa signed four wrestlers.
CherryRoad Media Ottawa University has a new cheer and STUNT head coach. Jayna Dunlap takes over the reins of the program.