2021 Westphal Awards Crowns Kleppe As Westphal Winner
Glendale, Ariz.- On Friday night, Arizona Christian University Athletics celebrated their achievements from the 2020-21 athletic year by hosting the eighth annual Westphal Awards. Athletes and coaches were recognized for their service, character, and success on the field or court with 15 awards from Female Faith to the prestigious Westphal Award.
Arizona Christian University President Len Munsil handed out the Westphal Award to end the evening. Emcee Steven Valdez, ACU Director of Enrollment Services and alumni class of 2008, brought excitement to the crowd from the stage at the Haven Church. Former Arizona Christian Campus Pastor and current Director of Alumni Engagement Tim Reed presented the Service Award named in his honor. Don King, ACU Board Member and one of ACU Athletics biggest fans, was on hand to award to the Don King Most Inspirational athlete of the year.
The 2021 Westphal Award winners are:
Female Faith- Gretchen Wilson (Acrobatics & Tumbling)
Male Faith- JD Hamby (Baseball)
Record Breaking Performance- Krysta Petersen (Women’s Volleyball)
Best Game- Des Gonzalez (Women’s Basketball)
Best Come-From-Behind Performance- Football
Break-through Performance- Kaycee Brown (Women’s Basketball)
Tim Reed Service Award- Maddie Shasky (Acrobatics & Tumbling)
Don King Most Inspirational- Robby Wilson (Men’s Basketball)
Comeback Athlete of the Year- Dee Gallon (Football)
Best Play- Nestor Higuera, Riley Tucker, Nathan Peterson (Football)
Best Team- Men’s Basketball
Mike Lusardi Coach of the Year- Jeff Bowen (Football)
Female Athlete of the Year- Emma Stevens (Swimming)
Male Athlete of the Year- Riley Tucker (Football)
Westphal Award- Zak Kleppe (Men’s Track & Field)
A bonus award was the Player’s Choice Award that was voted on live during the ceremony to determine the best uniform in the athletics department. Men’s Soccer earned the most votes to lock up the win.
Congratulations to all the Westphal winners and nominees.
#RollStorm
