Photo Credit: Michigan Tech

HOUGHTON, Mich. - The Michigan Tech cross country, Nordic skiing and track and field teams handed out their yearly team awards.

“The winners of these awards are very deserving due to the fact that we have many quality student-athletes on our teams,” said head coach Joe Haggenmiller.

Ken Gilkerson led all student-athletes with four awards. He was named the most valuable athlete for the track and field team after breaking the school record and provisionaly qualifying for the 800 meter run in a time of 1:52.5. He was also named the most improved runner for cross country. Gilkerson was also the scholastic achievement award winner for both cross country and track and field.

Molly Wiltzius was named the most valuable athlete for the women’s track and field after shattering the school record in the discus with her throw of 139-4 to finish fourth at the GLIAC Championships.

Laura Kangas and Brian Stetter, who were the number one runner for each team throughout the season, were each named most valuable runner for cross country. Kangas was also named the scholastic achievement award winner for track and field.

Jesse Lang, who became Tech’s first NCAA All-American, and Oskar Lund, who also qualified for the NCAA Championships shared most valuable skier honors for the men’s team. Elizabeth Quinley was named most valuable skier for the women’s team after making her second appearance at the NCAA Championships.

Other award winners include:

Men’s Cross Country
Most Valuable Runner: Brian Stetter
Most Improved: Ken Gilkerson
Rookie of the Year: Nick Wimmer
Scholastic Achievement Award: Ken Gilkerson

Women’s Cross Country
Most Valuable Runner: Laura Kangas
Most Improved: Sarah Grey
Rookie of the Year: Lauren Rantala
Scholastic Achievement Award: Jenna Klein

Men’s Nordic Skiing
Most Valuable Skier: Oskar Lund and Jesse Lang
Most Improved: Erik Mundahl
Rookie of the Year: Petter Andre Sjulstad
Scholastic Achievement Award: Kyle Demerath

Women’s Nordic Skiing
Most Valuable Skier: Elizabeth Quinley
Most Improved: Jill Smith
Rookie of the Year: Christina Mishica
Scholastic Achievement Award: Jenna Klein

Men’s Track and Field
Most Valuable Athlete: Ken Gilkerson
Most Improved: Aaron Cedergren
Rookie of the Year: Jordan Huffman
Scholastic Achievement Award: Ken Gilkerson

Women’s Track and Field
Most Valuable Athlete: Molly Wiltzius
Most Improved: Jill Smith
Rookie of the Year: Megan Smaby
Scholastic Achievement Award: Laura Kangas