Trio of Central athletes receive student awards
Central Dutch Athletics
PELLA — In conjunction with Central’s Student-Athlete Advisory Council’s Dutchies event, three Central College student-athletes were honored for their efforts both on and off the playing field.
Dutch wrestler Jahleel Vester (senior, Oak Harbor, Wash.) received the Prins Sportsmanship Award, softball pitcher Annie De Vries (senior, Eldridge, North Scott HS) received the Marjorie Giles Student Life Leadership Award and men’s track and field athlete Ryan Kruse (senior, St. Clair, Minn.) received the Ron Schipper Leadership Award.
The Prins Sportsmanship Award, named after Tunis W. and Harriet B. Prins, is given to a student, athlete or non-athlete, who has demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship in dealing with fellow students on campus or in meeting life’s challenges.
Vester recently received his fourth varsity letter as a member of the Central wrestling program. Named the team’s Coaches Award recipient for this season, Vester has amassed a career record of 49-53 while primarily competing in the 141-pound weight class. Vester is heavily involved in Central’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Intervarsity Christian Fellowship chapters.
The Marjorie Giles Student Life Leadership Award is given annually to a junior or senior who has demonstrated positive values through faith-based leadership in a variety of co-curricular activities.
De Vries is currently in the midst of her final season with the Dutch softball team, where she has an 11-3 record in the circle through 86.1 innings of work. She has an ERA of 3.89 while opponents are hitting just .299 against her. A three-year member of the Student Senate, De Vries is serving the 2017-18 academic year as the treasurer. She was also a scholar day speaker and is member of the Senior Class Gift Committee.
The Ron Schipper Leadership Award is presented annually to a senior who reflects the character, commitment and enthusiasm for Central College displayed by Schipper during his 36 years of service to Central’s students as head football coach as well as his 30 years as athletics director. The recipient must demonstrate a willingness to set lofty goals and the drive to achieve them, high ethical standards and strong Christian values, a joyous spirit, genuine concern for others and a deep, personal loyalty to Central College.
Kruse finished third in the heptathlon at the 2018 NCAA Division III Indoor Track and Field Championships. The senior multi-event specialist is a four-time all-Iowa Conference performer and a three-time USTFCCCA all-Central Region performer. He has also received Academic all-Iowa Conference and USTFCCCA all-Central Region twice each.
