Columbia Athletics Set to Host 95th Varsity C Celebration on April 26; Maniatty & Campbell Finalists Announced
4/19/2016 4:42:00 PM | General
NEW YORK – Columbia University Athletics closes the 2015-16 academic year with its annual year-end awards ceremony, the 95th Annual Varsity C Celebration: Celebrating Our Student-Athletes, on Tuesday, April 26, in Levien Gymnasium at 7 p.m.
Planning for this year's celebration was done in conjunction with a Student-Athlete Planning Committee consisting of Katarina Jovicic (Volleyball), Natalie Neshat (Women's Soccer), Stan Sandoval (Men's Soccer), Harrison Shih (Men's Golf), and Nada Zaher (Women's Tennis). The group was charged to add new excitement to this year's Celebration - get your tickets here today to see the exciting changes!
The event serves as the final gathering of the academic year for all of Columbia's student-athletes, showcasing their achievements and milestones. The highest honors will be bestowed on some of the Lions' brightest stars.
In addition to the presentation of these major awards, the evening will feature a video features and highlights celebrating the major moments and achievements accomplished this year. Individual sports program award winners will also be recognized during the event program and a full dinner will be served to the attendees at the conclusion of the event.
Now in its second year, the William V. Campbell Athlete of the Year will be given to one male and one female student-athlete who demonstrates superior athletic ability during the academic year. The award is named after Bill Campbell '62CC '64TC, who passed away on Sunday evening.
The Connie S. Maniatty Award is given to the top senior male and female student-athletes in recognition for their outstanding Columbia careers.
The finalists for the William V. Campbell Performer of the Year are:
MALE
Jake Hoyle, Fencing
Maodo Lo, Basketball
Jayden Pantel, Diving
Robert Napolitano, Cross Country/Track & Field
FEMALE
Jackie Chulya, Golf
Jackie Dubrovich, Fencing
Christina Freibott, Field Hockey
Kanika Vaidya, Tennis
The nominees for the Maniatty Award are:
MALE
Maodo Lo, Men's Basketball
Jake Hoyle, Fencing
Tait Rutherford, Track & Field
FEMALE
Jackie Dubrovich, Fencing
Christina Freibott, Field Hockey
Kanika Vaidya, Tennis
Columbia Athletics will also award two prestigious watch awards to two seniors who have earned the Varsity C for at least two seasons. The Marion R. Philips Watch is given to the senior female student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average. The Dwight D. Eisenhower Watch will be presented to the senior male student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average.
The Karen Blank Award will be handed out to a senior female student-athlete enrolled in Barnard College, who exemplifies the qualities of academic success, athletic achievement, strong sporting behavior and commitment to community.
This year's Athletics Alumni Award honorees are Joan Campion '92CC (women's soccer) and Colin Redhead '85CC.
