Muskingum Celebrates Excellence at Golden Hook Awards
Muskingum's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and the Athletic Department honored the institution's top student-athletes, teams, and moments of the year at the annual Golden Hook Awards. The event celebrated excellence across competition, academics, and community impact, bringing together student-athletes, coaches, and staff for a night recognizing the achievements that defined the Muskie year.
Best Duo – Male
Senior Duane Davis and junior Owen Emig powered Muskingum men's basketball as the top scoring duo in the Ohio Athletic Conference. Both earned All-OAC honors, showcasing elite chemistry and consistency while leading one of the conference's most dynamic offenses.
Clutch Athlete of the Year – Male
Senior football quarterback Garrett Gurney delivered in the biggest moments all season, orchestrating three fourth-quarter comebacks, including two 99-yard scoring drives. His leadership was highlighted by a historic road victory over rival Marietta—the program's first win in the series since 2016.
Best Win – Female Team
In one of the most dramatic games of the year, Muskingum women's basketball erased a 12-point deficit in the final four minutes against Marietta, forcing overtime on a buzzer-beating shot before winning 97-92 in double overtime.
Clutch Athlete of the Year – Female
Softball senior Cara Taylor dominated at the plate for Muskingum softball, hitting .581 with 50 hits, 38 runs, and 24 RBIs. Her ability to produce in high-pressure situations made her one of the most dangerous hitters in the region.
Best Single-Game Performance – Female
Sophomore track athlete Mea Kaufman delivered an unforgettable performance at the OAC Championship meet, setting two school records in the 60m and 200m while contributing to relay success.
Outstanding Team of the Year – Male
The Muskingum men's lacrosse team completed a historic turnaround season, earning its first-ever OAC Tournament berth and securing a landmark win over Capital.
Best Single-Game Performance – Male
Men's lacrosse junior Evan Cosgrove produced a breakout performance against Franciscan, scoring six goals and adding two assists for eight total points while also contributing defensively.
Spark Plug Award
Men's basketball sophomore Phil Towns provided consistent energy and enthusiasm off the bench for men's basketball, delivering an emotional lift that sparked momentum throughout the season.
Best Win – Male Team
Muskingum baseball earned a thrilling extra-inning victory over No. 16 Baldwin Wallace, as sophomore Olly Schrader delivered a clutch bases-loaded hit in the 10th inning for the win.
Breakthrough Athlete of the Year – Female
Sophomore Adelynn Rusek emerged as a key contributor for volleyball, playing nearly every set while recording 140 kills and excelling both offensively and defensively.
Best Duo – Female
Junior Mackenzie Krous and junior Katharine Clayton led Muskingum volleyball with standout performances, combining offensive production with elite defensive play. Clayton earned Libero of the Year honors while Krous ranked among the conference leaders in scoring.
Breakthrough Athlete of the Year – Male
Senior Max Vosters dominated on the mound for Muskingum baseball, leading the nation in WHIP while posting a 3.05 ERA along with four wins and three saves.
Outstanding Team of the Year – Female
Muskingum softball turned in an outstanding season, posting a 21-5 record while earning national recognition with a top-25 ranking.
Comeback Athlete of the Year
Sophomore Ashley Metz overcame significant medical challenges to return to competition with the STUNT team, demonstrating resilience and determination in an inspiring comeback story.
The Golden Hook Awards, organized by SAAC, continue to highlight the strength, resilience, and spirit of Muskingum student-athletes. The event celebrates not only athletic success, but also the perseverance, teamwork, and character that define Muskie Athletics.
Hoops for Hunger Food Drive Champion
STUNT
Lip Sync Battle Champion
Women's Basketball
Team Academic Award (highest GPA fall semester)
Men's Golf and Women's Golf
Team Impact Award
(Involvement in the community, on campus and at Muskie Pride events)
Men's Soccer and Volleyball
Greg Riggar Dedication to Sport Award
The Greg Riggar Dedicated to Sport Award. The award is bestowed upon senior student-athletes at Muskingum who show excellence in associated areas of dedication to sport, leadership, and practice habits. The athlete must have participated for all four years of his/her collegiate career, be held in high esteem by his/her fellow teammates, and exhibit the qualities of loyalty and discipline.
Senior Honorees
Logan Stotzer (Men's Basketball)
Campbell Paskel (Softball)
Kaitlyn Bates (Softball)
Susie Blocher (Softball)
Abby Buchtel (Volleyball)
Alana Alexander (Volleyball)
Abby Boeing (Women's Basketball)
Drew Johnson (Men's Bowling)
Kade Whitman (Baseball)
Nate Fuerstman (Baseball)
David Stiles (Baseball)
Lane Goetz (Baseball)
Joey Eurez (Baseball)
Ann White Strive for Excellence (Female)
The award is designed for those who are willing to go the extra mile - overcoming injuries or obstacles to participate; or assisting the other athletes and helping them along in the program; or providing outstanding example and leadership; or putting in whatever time and effort is required to achieve a given task.
Junior Mackenzie Krous (Volleyball)
Roy 'Red' Turner Strive for Excellence (Male)
The award is designed for those who are willing to go the extra mile - overcoming injuries or obstacles to participate; or assisting the other athletes and helping them along in the program; or providing outstanding example and leadership; or putting in whatever time and effort is required to achieve a given task.
Senior Chipper Iacobucci (Men's Lacrosse)
William F. Lang Outstanding Freshmen Awards.
Outstanding Freshman (Female)
Dani Wright (Softball)
Outstanding Freshman (Male)
Cooper Risinger (Football/Men's Lacrosse)
Barbara Steiner Outstanding Senior Female Athlete
Kylee Brookover (Archery)
William G. Moore Outstanding Senior Male Athlete
Duane Davis (Men's Basketball)
Donna J. Newberry Pursuit of Perfection Award (Female)
The "Pursuit of Perfection Award" is awarded annually to honor a female and male student-athlete who leads on and off the court or field with a high set of standards that translate to a valuable asset on the playing field/court and in the classroom – ultimately being the most valuable student-athlete on campus.
Cara Taylor (Softball)
Donna J. Newberry Pursuit of Perfection Award (Male)
The "Pursuit of Perfection Award" is awarded annually to honor a female and male student-athlete who leads on and off the court or field with a high set of standards that translate to a valuable asset on the playing field/court and in the classroom – ultimately being the most valuable student-athlete on campus.
Foster Wertz (Football)
OAC Clyde Lamb Award
Criteria for the award include student-athletes' having performed with distinction as a member of a varsity sport by earning two or more varsity letter awards in one or more sports at an OAC institution. The award winners must have conducted himself or herself, on and off the field, in a manner that has brought credit to the student, the institution, intercollegiate athletics, and the ideals and objectives of American Higher Education.
Honorees
Senior Foster Wertz (Football)
Senior Cara Taylor (Softball)
OAC Engagement and Leadership Awards
This award recognizes student-athletes, coaches, and institutions across the Ohio Athletic Conference who are making a lasting impact through leadership, unity, and service. From fostering welcoming team environments to creating meaningful community connections, this honor celebrates those who lead with purpose both on and off the field.
Honorees
Junior Amanda Charness – women's lacrosse
Volleyball team
Golden Hook Awards (Photo Credit: Jasper Owens and Lauren Hertle)
