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Posted: Apr 29, 2025

Eureka Athletics Honors Student-Athletes at Golden Tornadoes

Eureka Athletics Honors Student-Athletes at Golden Tornadoes

EUREKA, Ill. – The Eureka College Athletics Department celebrated the accomplishments of its Red Devil student-athletes Monday night at the annual Golden Tornado Awards, hosted by the Eureka Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).

The evening's highest honors — Male and Female Athlete of the Year — were awarded to Bailey Webster of men's cross country and distance, and McKenzie Cook of women's wrestling. Cook earned the distinction for the second consecutive year after a historic season that saw her become the first wrestler in Eureka history to compete at Nationals.

        

Claire Schaffner, a member of both the volleyball and softball teams, received the Student-Athlete of the Year award in recognition of her excellence on the field, on the court, and in the classroom.

The Inspiration Award was presented to Hayden Skaggs of men's cross country and distance, who made a triumphant return to competition after a serious car accident, culminating in multiple personal records during his senior season.

The Moment of the Year award resulted in a three-way tie:

  • The Eureka volleyball team was honored for a five-set victory over Webster — the program's first-ever win over the Gorloks.
  • Brianna Murphy (women's soccer) was recognized for her dramatic 88th-minute goal directly off a corner kick that sealed a 1-0 win over Maranatha Baptist — the team's first victory in nearly two years.
  • Jeremiah Robertson (men's wrestling) was celebrated for an unforgettable comeback win — rallying from a 12-0 deficit to earn a pin in his first collegiate victory, sparking a major celebration from his teammates.

    

Jacob Kaminski (men's wrestling) and Miya Webb (women's basketball) were named Newcomers of the Year, standing out in their first seasons with the Red Devils.

    

For the second year in a row, Head Wrestling Coach Eric Biehl earned Coach of the Year honors, continuing to exceed expectations with the Eureka wrestling programs.

In its inaugural year, the Trident Trophy — awarded to the team most supportive of their fellow athletes and most active in attending games — was claimed by the Eureka softball team.

Eureka proudly welcomed back three alumni guest speakers to cap off the night. Dominic Tenayuca, an alumnus of the men's wrestling and baseball teams, kicked off the speeches. Later, remarks were shared on behalf of Eureka baseball alumnus and 2024 ABCA Fourth Team All-American Sam Buduris, as he prepares to compete for the Greek National Team overseas. Finally, men's soccer alumnus Daniel Jüeliger returned to close out the evening.

View the complete gallery of 2025 Golden Tornadoes photos here.

 

Full List of Award Winners:

  • Male Newcomer of the Year: Jacob Kaminski (Men's Wrestling)
  • Female Newcomer of the Year: Miya Webb (Women's Basketball)
  • Moment of the Year: Volleyball, Brianna Murphy (Women's Soccer), Jeremiah Robertson (Men's Wrestling)
  • Inspiration Award: Hayden Skaggs (Men's Cross Country and Distance)
  • Student Athlete of the Year: Claire Schaffner (Volleyball/Softball)
  • Coach of the Year: Eric Biehl (Wrestling)
  • Trident Trophy: Softball
  • Male Athlete of the Year: Bailey Webster (Men's Cross Country and Distance)
  • Female Athlete of the Year: McKenzie Cook (Women's Wrestling)