Posted: Feb 11, 2019
The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has announced the student-athletes selected as Athletes of the Week, for the week of competition ending on February 10, 2019.
The MIAA Athlete of the Week awards are nominated by coaches following one week of competition, and selected by a panel of MIAA Sports Information Directors, including the MIAA Director of Media Relations.
This week's winners are listed below with their respective achievements during last week's competition.
Jason Beckman, Hope
Senior, Guard
Shelby, Mich.
Beckman was a key factor in Hope's 3-0 week to move into a tie for third place in the MIAA standings with one week to play. In Hope's 94-92 win against Alma Feb. 9, Beckman scored 38 points on 14-of-23 shooting, including perfect shooting from three-point range (2-2) and the free throw line (8-8) to go with two assists, two steals, and two rebounds. Beckman's effort is the highest single-game scoring performance in MIAA games this season. Beckman also had a 23-point performance in Hope's 71-62 win at Adrian.
Cassidy Williams, Trine
Senior, Guard
Archbold, Ohio
Williams aided Trine in securing the Thunder's third-consecutive MIAA title last week, as Trine went 3-0 to remain unbeaten in MIAA play. Against Albion Feb. 9, Williams scored 18 points to go with four rebounds, three assists, and a team-best three steals as the Thunder secured the MIAA title outright with a 70-53 road win. For the week, Williams averaged 13.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists while shooting 50 percent from the field.
Jacob Payne, Trine
Senior
LaPorte, Ind.
Payne finished second in the pole vault at the DePauw Invitational last weekend, clearing 4.37m for a season-best effort. Payne's mark is third best in the MIAA this season.
Tyler Johnson, Calvin
Junior
Springfield, Ill.
Johnson placed 13th in the 5,000m run at the Grand Valley State Big Meet Feb. 8, finishing in 14:33.53 for the best MIAA runner in a field of 209 runners. Johnson's time leads the MIAA overall and ranks 15th-best in NCAA Division III this season.
Lillian Albaugh, Olivet
Freshman
Sheperd, Mich.
Albaugh improved on her own Olivet record in the shot put, reaching 13.65m at the Grand Valley State Big Meet Feb. 8. As the lone NCAA Division III competitor at the meet, Albaugh finished fourth overall out of 17 competitors and currently ranks 11th in NCAA Division III.
Katie Diekema, Calvin
Junior
Kenmore, Wash.
Diekema took ninth in the 1-mile run at the Grand Valley State Big Meet Feb. 8, finishing in 4:52.80 to set a new Calvin College record. Her time, which was good for second among NCAA Division III competitors, ranks fourth in the MIAA this year.
Jake Burris, Albion
Senior
Chelsea, Mich.
Burris was a two-time winner in Albion's final dual of the season and Burris' last MIAA dual of a storied career, winning bot the 1-meter and 3-meter boards against Olivet Feb. 9. Burris started with a 312.95 on the 1-meter board and followed with a 290.60 on the 3-meter board.
Jared Britton, Calvin
Senior
Falls Church, Va.
Britton was a three-time winner in Calvin's dual win over Hope Feb. 8, helping the Knights go 5-0 against MIAA foes in dual meets. Britton started with the butterfly leg of the 200 medley relay (22.39) and then was an individual winner in the 50 free (21.29) and 100 fly (51.94).
MIAA Women's Diver of the Week
Joselyn Smith, Calvin
Sophomore
Zeeland, Mich.
Smith was a two-time winner in Calvin's win over Hope Feb. 8, taking first on the 1-meter and 3-meter diving boards. Smith posted a score of 245.10 on the 1-meter board and 253.35 on the 3-meter board.
Hannah Chao, Calvin
Sophomore
Farmington Hills, Mich.
Chao was a three-time winner for Calvin in their dual meet win over Hope Feb. 8. Chao started with the leadoff backstroke split of 27.37 in the winning 200 medley relay for the fastest leadoff leg. Chao then won twice individually, touching first in the 100 back (59.30) and 100 free (54.19). Chao helped Calvin score 33 points in the Knights' 177-123 win.
Danny Kroeze, Hope
Junior
Holland, Mich.
Kroeze fueled a 2-0 week for Hope, going 2-0 at No. 1 doubles and No. 4 singles. Against Ohio Wesleyan Feb. 9, Kroeze scored an 8-6 victory No. 1 doubles before a convincing 6-4, 6-1 victory at No. 4 doubles in Hope's 5-4 win. Later that day against Centre, Kroeze was part of an 8-3 win at No. 1 doubles before a 6-1, 6-1 victory at No. 4 doubles to aid in a 9-0 win.
Leah Newhof, Calvin
Leah Newhof, Calvin
Sophomore
Caledonia, Mich.
Newhof was a winner at No. 1 doubles and No. 1 singles in Calvin's 9-0 victory over Cornerstone Feb. 7. In doubles action, Newhof paired with Madeline Brouwer for an 8-0 victory. Newhof then tallied a 6-4, 6-0 win at No. 1 singles to give Cornerstone their first match loss of the season.
