From VCSU Athletics
VALLEY CITY, N.D. (VCSUAthletics.com) – The Valley City State University athletic department recognized excellence in its student-athletes Monday night at the 2022 Viking Awards.
The annual banquet brings together most of the university’s student-athletes for a meal, awards and recognition of their accomplishments during the 2021-22 season.
Athletic director Jill DeVries emceed the event as VCSU announced its major athletic awards, honored its seniors and North Star Champions of Character, and celebrated numerous school record breakers and conference champions during the night.
Recipients of the VCSU athletic department awards are below.
Athletes of the Year
Joelle Aiello (softball) and David Demeter (baseball) were recognized as the 2022 VCSU Athletes of the Year.
Joelle Aiello – Female Athlete of the Year
Aiello set numerous career and single-season records this year and was named the NSAA Softball Player of the Year.
After hitting just one home run in her career prior to this season, Aiello hit 17 home runs this year to set the new VCSU record. She also reached 300 career hits, becoming the first Viking in history to accomplish that feat. For the year so far, Aiello has batted .425 with 14 doubles, 17 home runs and 59 RBIs. She has a .484 on-base percentage and her current .856 slugging percentage would be a new school record as well.
In her Viking career, Aiello now has VCSU career records for total runs, total hits, total doubles, total triples and total walks. She also has single-season records for home runs, hits, doubles and triples.
David Demeter – Male Athlete of the Year
Demeter put together one of the best all-around seasons in school history, primarily playing third base but also serving as the team’s closer. He led the team in every major batting category, including a .371 batting average, a .494 on-base percentage, 13 doubles, 14 home runs and 49 RBIs in just 38 games.
As a pitcher, Demeter recorded 7 saves and averaged 16 strikeouts per nine innings.
Despite playing in just 38 games, Davey set a new school record with 29 extra-base hits this season. His 7 saves, 14 home runs and his .847 slugging percentage all rank second in school history, and his 49 RBIs is the fifth-best season ever by a Viking.
Viking Impact Award
Seniors Angeline Gannon (cross country/track) and Hunter Sand (men’s basketball) were the recipients of this year’s Viking Impact Award.
The Viking Impact Award is presented to senior student-athletes who have made a significant impact on the campus and Valley City community outside of their athletic programs.
Angeline Gannon – Female Viking Impact Award
Gannon has made a major impact on campus as an involved student-athlete during her Viking career as a cross country and track and field athlete.
On campus, Gannon served as Student Senate President for two years and has been a part of numerous campus projects and decisions. She has spoken at the North Dakota Legislature on behalf of VCSU, and her remarks have helped the university secure funding for projects such as the new Center for the Arts. She has also served as a Viking Ambassador, Learning to Live Mentor, RA and was a member of the student-athlete advisory council at VCSU. She is graduating with a degree in history education.
As an athlete, Gannon was named All-Conference in cross country in 2020 after placing 7th at the NSAA Championships.
Hunter Sand – Male Viking Impact Award
Hunter has been a highly involved and engaged student-athlete during his time at VCSU as a men’s basketball player.
Hunter has been the chair of the North Star Athletic Association Board of Student-Athletes, and has served as a representative for our conference at the national level. On campus, Hunter can always be found supporting his fellow student-athletes at various home games.
Hunter has volunteered with special Olympics and the salvation army during his time in Valley City, while also serving on the VCSU Student-Athlete Advisory Council. He is pursuing a degree in elementary education.
Athletically, Hunter had a night to remember this season when he scored a career-high 31 points – including 23 in the second half – during a home victory against Presentation College.
Newcomers of the Year
Sadie Hansen (volleyball/track and field) and Duoth Gach (men’s basketball) were recognized as the Newcomers of the Year. The award is for incoming freshmen or transfers who made a significant athletic impact in their first year on campus.
Sadie Hansen – Female Newcomer of the Year
Hansen made an immediate impact as a freshman two-sport athlete this season, earning All-Conference in both volleyball and track & field. On the volleyball court, Hansen was named 2nd Team All-Conference as a setter, totaling 1052 assists and 355 digs. She posted a season-high 55 assists in two matches this season, and was named the NAIA National Setter of the Week on Oct. 2. During the Indoor Track & Field season, Hansen placed third in shot put at the NSAA Conference Meet, earning All-Conference for the Vikings.
Duoth Gach – Male Newcomer of the Year
Duoth averaged 10 points and 3 rebounds per game during his first season with the VCSU Men’s Basketball team, helping the Vikings to an 18-11 overall record and a third-place finish in the North Star Athletic Association. Duoth led the team with 54 3-pointers this season, shooting 38 percent from 3-point range and a team-best 89 percent at the free throw line. He scored a season-high 27 points during a conference road victory at Dickinson State.
Iron Viking Award (Strength & Conditioning)
Emma Nielsen (women’s basketball) and Riley Gerhardt (football) were presented with the Iron Viking Award.
This award is presented by VCSU strength and conditioning coach Ethan Bakken and goes to the top student-athletes in the weight room – those that have a high work ethic, are coachable and humble, bring a positive energy to their workouts and help lift their teammates up each day to make them better as well.
Golden Crutch Award (Athletic Training)
Jay Greuel (baseball) was the recipient of this year’s Golden Crutch Award.
The Golden Crutch Award is presented annually by the VCSU athletic training staff. The award recognizes a student-athlete who has been a model patient for VCSU’s athletic trainers, encourages others in the training room, and continually works hard at making their health a priority.