Eureka Honors Student-Athletes at Golden Tornadoes
EUREKA, Ill. – The Eureka College Athletics Department celebrated the 2025-26 academic and athletic year Tuesday evening at the annual Golden Tornado Awards, hosted by the Eureka Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).
The night's top honors, Male and Female Athlete of the Year, were awarded to Joyce Kabesa of men's soccer and Kaitlyn Robinson of softball and women's volleyball. Robinson's night did not stop there, as she also earned Female Transfer of the Year honors. On the men's side, Xavier Brisbon of men's soccer and golf was named Male Transfer of the Year.
Ben Carter of the men's basketball team took home Student-Athlete of the Year honors, recognizing his success on the court and excellence in the classroom.
The Inspiration Award was presented to Tanner Finin of the men's wrestling team, who returned to the mat this season after a six-year absence while serving in the military and finished the season with a winning record.
The Moment of the Year award went to the Eureka Red Devils football for their comeback victory over Knox in the Lincoln Bowl. Trailing 13-0 at halftime, the Red Devils scored two second half touchdowns and converted a two-point conversion with 1:54 remaining to take a 14-13 lead. The defense held Knox scoreless in the second half and sealed the game with an interception in the final minute.
Male and Female Freshman of the Year honors were presented to Cole Glover of cross country and distance and Brooklyn Bowman, a dual-sport athlete on the women's basketball and softball teams.
Noah Ray was named Coach of the Year following a successful inaugural season guiding the men's volleyball program.
In its second year, the Trident Trophy was awarded to the softball team, recognizing the program's strong support of fellow Eureka student-athletes throughout the year.
One of the evening's most meaningful moments came during the Passing the Torch segment, featuring the return of Eureka football alum Pierce Bradford. A standout from 2018-2022, Bradford ranks third in program history in receiving touchdowns and fifth in receiving yards. He was joined by Class of 2025 graduate Hayden Skaggs of the cross country and distance team, as both reflected on their journeys and shared advice with current Red Devil student-athletes.
Academic excellence was also recognized, with awards presented to the student-athletes who achieved the highest grade-point average in their respective sports:
Men's Soccer: Britton Batson
Women's Soccer: Addison Byers and Naitzy Garcia
Football: Daniel Wade
Women's Volleyball: Kaitlyn Robinson
Women's Golf: Gabby Penberthy
Men's Cross Country: Cole Glover and Britton Batson
Women's Cross Country: Zoe Stoecker
Men's Basketball: Nolan Kerr
Women's Basketball: Brooklyn Bowman
Men's Wrestling: Tanner Finin and Sargent Maubach
Women's Wrestling: Brayde Smith
Men's Volleyball: Kawehi Kaneakua and Dyson Wutzke
Baseball: Cole Smith
Softball: Brooklyn Bowman, Shaylun Christenberry, Mallory Kohnen, and Kaitlyn Robinson
Men's Golf: Xavier Brisbon
Photos from the evening can be found HERE.