ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - Missouri Western Athletics hosted the 25th Annual Golden Griffons Awards presented by News Press Now on Monday, May 5, at the historic Missouri Theater in downtown St. Joseph.
The "Voice of the Griffons"
Tommy Rezac and Kyle Schmidt from News-Press Now served as the emcees, with guest speakers Steve Booher, News Director at News Press-NOW and Gold Coat President Zack Workman.
Jeffrey Johnston from men's golf and
Sydney Rader from softball claimed the top honor of the night after being recognized as the 2025 Bradley Family Student-Athletes of the Year. To receive this honor, a student-athlete must exemplify exceptional commitment to Missouri Western's three 'Cs' - classroom, competition and community.
The 'Tom Smith Career Achievement Award' was presented to nine seniors:
Jeffrey Johnston (Men's Golf),
Cody Watson (Football),
Grace Williams (Lacrosse),
Sam Pruitt (Lacrosse),
Alyssa Bonilla (Women's Basketball),
Lauren Nylund (Soccer),
Nessa Johnson (Volleyball),
Keeley Kroonenberg (Soccer) and
Sydney Rader (Softball). These student-athletes are now in consideration for future Missouri Western Hall of Fame ballots.
Bradley Family Student-Athlete of the Year Nominees
Football –
Jonas Bennett
Soccer –
Lauren Nylund
Women's Golf –
Ines Vandaele
Men's Golf –
Jeffrey Johnston (Winner)
Volleyball –
Nessa Johnson
Tennis –
Cristina Granero Boj
Men's Cross Country/Track & Field –
Peter Cuddy
Women's Cross Country/Track & Field –
Allyssa Mahone
Women's Basketball –
Alyssa Bonilla
Men's Basketball –
Justin Bubak
Baseball –
Blake Venneman
Softball –
Sydney Rader (Winner)
Lacrosse –
Sam Pruitt
SAAC Choice Awards
"Ring the Bell" (Best Win) -
Tennis winning the 2024 MIAA Tournament Championship
Clutch Performance -
Kennedy Preston (Softball) vs. No. 6 Rogers State
Newcomer of the Year -
Aidyn Woodall (Soccer)
Coach of the Year -
Jacob Plocher (Soccer)
Team of the Year -
Griffon Soccer
Other Awards
"Spirit of the Griffon" Award -
Emily Crouse (Spirit Team)
"Strong as a Lion" Award -
Grant Finley (Football) & Sydney Rader (Softball)
Comeback Student-Athlete of the Year -
Jazmine Servance (Lacrosse)
James J. McMillen Scholar-Athlete Award (graduating senior with highest cumulative GPA) -
Ellie Messenger (Tennis), Harley Pruetting (Softball), Lily Kurz (Volleyball)
Dr. Eric Kramer Volunteer of the Year -
Cody Watson (Football) & Ellie Messenger (Tennis)
"Griff Up" Award -
Jon Hood (Men's Basketball), "Play Unified Day"
Tom Smith Career Achievement Award -
Jeffrey Johnston (Men's Golf), Cody Watson (Football), Grace Williams (Lacrosse), Sam Pruitt (Lacrosse), Alyssa Bonilla (Women's Basketball), Lauren Nylund (Soccer), Nessa Johnson (Volleyball), Keeley Kroonenberg (Soccer), Sydney Rader (Softball)
