Football | 5/2/2012 11:37:00 PM

May 2, 2012-Two All-Americans were named Emporia State University Outstanding Student-Athletes of the Year at the ESU Senior Awards and Honors Banquet tonight. Nearly 60 Hornet senior student-athletes and support staff were recognized for their contributions to Emporia State and the Hornet Athletic program.

The Outstanding Student-Athlete of the Year Award is presented annually to deserving male and female student-athletes based upon their performance over time, athletic achievement, academic success, community service and contribution to the team.
Derek Lohmann • Junior • Football • Alva, Okla.
Lohmann is a biology major from Alva, Okla. He was a second-team All-American this past fall for the Hornets after he led the MIAA and was third in the nation in total interceptions with eight.  His 14 picks in his first three years ties the ESU career record set by Kelly Nusser from 1980-83.  He had 61 total tackles with 6.5 tackles for loss from his safety position. He was named first-team All-MIAA this past season after earning second team all-league honors as a sophomore.
Katie Mona • Senior • Track & Field/Cross Country • Lenexa, Kan.
Mona is a senior health promotions major from Lenexa, Kan. She is a three-time All-American after she placed seventh in the women’s 800m indoors this past March. She placed fifth indoors and seventh outdoors nationally in the 800m last year. She is a ten-time MIAA champion after winning three events at this winter’s indoor conference championships.  She is ranked 12th in the nation in the 1500m and 20th in the 800m. She is second in the MIAA in both events heading into this weekend’s conference championships at Witten Track/Welch Stadium.  

The Undergraduate Award of Excellence is given to an outstanding male and female underclass student-athlete who excels in the areas of athletic performance, academic achievement and community service.
Andrew Etheridge • Sophomore • Track & Field • Wichita, Kan.
Etheridge is a sophomore crime and delinquency studies major from Wichita, Kan.  He is the defending NCAA Division II National Champion in the 110m hurdles outdoors and is the school record holder in both the 60m hurdles and the 110m hurdles. He is a four-time All-American after finishing third in the 60m hurdles this winter.  He is currently the top ranked high hurdler in the MIAA and is ranked ninth in the nation.
Nicole Jara • Sophomore • Tennis • Gardner, Kan.
Jara is a sophomore nursing major from Gardner, Kan.  She went undefeated in MIAA regular season play at #1 singles and was 18-2 overall in singles play.  She teamed with Taylor Smith to go 15-5 at #1 doubles and earned second-team All-MIAA honors for the Hornets.

The Wal-Mart Without Peer Award was established during the 1999-2000 school year to give recognition deserving student-athletes from their peers - the student-athletes at Emporia State. Each team nominates an individual for the award and it is then voted on by the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) at ESU.
Asher Delmott • Senior • Cross Country/Track & Field • Emporia, Kan.
A psychology major, with a 3.91 GPA, Delmott has earned All-MIAA honors for the last three years in track and field and cross country.  He has been a member of the MIAA Academic Honor Roll throughout his career at ESU.
Katie Mona • Senior • Track & Field/Cross Country • Lenexa, Kan.
A health promotions major with a 3.99 GPA, Mona doubled up as the Wal-Mart Without Peer Award Winner and Female Student-Athlete of the Year. In addition to her on the track honors, she has been an MIAA Scholar Athlete and member of the MIAA Academic Honor Roll all four years at ESU.  
 
The Emporia State Athletic Department annually gives special recognition to person not currently a member of the staff for their dedication, service and commitment to bettering ESU and intercollegiate athletics. Joe Cannon was one of the most prominent supporters of Hornet Athletics over the years. The Joe Cannon Service Award honors his memory.
Joe Reed
Reed helps the ESU Athletic department from August through May.  He can be heard as the public address voice of Hornet football in the fall.  In the winter he helps coordinate the table crew of scorekeepers and clock operators for the Lady Hornet basketball team.  In the spring he serves as a meet official at several track and field meets at Welch Stadium.