Vasity Walk header (2025)

Pitt's Varsity Walk is a tradition that celebrates the achievements and dedication of our student-athletes. Stretching across the heart of campus, this vibrant pathway is adorned with engraved stone commemorating the names and accomplishments of those student-athletes honored with the Blue and Gold or Panther awards.

The Blue-Gold award is presented to the male and female senior student-athlete who best represents the student-athlete “ideal” based on academic scholarship, athletic achievement, leadership qualities and citizenship while the Panther Award is presented to the male and female senior student-athlete who has promoted Pittsburgh Athletics through his or her outstanding athletic achievement.

As you stroll along the walk, you can feel the energy and pride that emanates from the etched names, representing the countless hours of hard work, teamwork, and passion poured into Pitt's athletic programs. It serves as a reminder of the university's rich athletic history and the profound impact that sports have on the campus community.

2025 WINNERS

Blue and Gold Award

Cameron Cash (MS&D) became one of most decorated student-athletes in Pitt Swimming & Diving history over his four with years the program. Cash was a two-time ACC Champion (3M, Platform), two-time ACC Bronze Medalist (3M, Platform), two-time NCAA All-American (3M) and an NCAA honorable mention All-American (platform) over the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons. He racked up other accolades such as ACC Diver of the Year, ACC Scholar Athlete of the Year and ACC Championships Most Valuable Diver while also earning All-ACC Academic Team and CSC Academic All-District honors throughout his time at Pitt. Cash became the first diver in Pitt history to qualify for the NCAA Championships in all three events in all four years of his collegiate career.

Ellie Coffield (WSOC) enjoyed an exceptional career that was instrumental in the rise of Pitt Women’s Soccer, earning three Academic All-ACC honors while helping the Panthers to a 51-24-7 record and two NCAA Tournament appearances, including their first Elite Eight trip in 2023. The Mars, Pennsylvania, native finished her career ranked in Pitt’s top 10 in points, goals, assists, games, and minutes played, totaling 48 points on 16 goals and 16 assists over 81 games. Off the field, Coffield earned the 2024 Spirit of Pitt Award and held leadership roles with the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, Coalition for Christian Outreach Student-Athlete Fellowship and several other campus organizations.

Valeria Vazquez Gomez (VB) played a key role in Pitt Volleyball’s rise, helping lead the Panthers to four ACC championships, four national semifinal appearances, and all five of the program’s regional finals. A three-time All-ACC and AVCA East Coast Region selection, she earned AVCA Second Team All-America honors in 2022 and ranks second in program history for digs (62) and fifth in aces (7) in an NCAA Tournament during the rally scoring era. A standout student-athlete, Vazquez Gomez was also a three-time All-ACC Academic Team honoree.

Panther Award

Rachel Fairbanks (VB) concluded her career as the most decorated setter in Pitt Volleyball history, leading the Panthers to three ACC championships and four national semifinal appearances. A three-time AVCA All-American, she was named ACC Setter of the Year in 2023 and the AVCA East Coast Region Player of the Year in 2023, while also earning four NCAA Regional All-Tournament Team honors. Fairbanks excelled academically as well, becoming a two-time ACC Scholar-Athlete of the Year and three-time All-ACC Academic Team selection.

Ben Sauls (FB) concluded his career as one of the greatest specialists in Pitt Football history. He had a team-high 107 points on the season, converting 21-of-24 field goals and each of his 44 extra-point tries. Sauls led the nation with three made field goals of 55-plus yards, and his six field goals of 50-plus yards were a Pitt season record. His 58-yarder matched the longest in school annals, all paving the way for him to be signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers following the 2025 NFL Draft.

Ilse Steigenga (T&F) became the first woman ACC outdoor champion in Pitt Track & Field history by winning the heptathlon at the 2024 ACC Championships, where she also set a personal best, finished second in the long jump, and placed sixth in the triple jump. She was named the ACC Women’s Field Most Valuable Performer and earned multiple All-ACC and All-American honors during her career.

2024 WINNERS

Blue and Gold Award

Amanda West (WSOC) stood out on the pitch for Pitt from 2019-23, earning four All-ACC selections and a pair of All-Atlantic Region honors while becoming the first Panther drafted to the NWSL with the Houston Dash in 2023. Throughout her career, she set program records in points (131), goals (50), game-winning goals (18), and several other categories, cementing her legacy as one of the most prolific players in Pitt history.

Blake Hinson (MBB) made an indelible mark on Pitt men's basketball in just two seasons, earning First Team All-ACC honors in 2023-24 and setting a school record with 110 three-point field goals in a single season, including a record nine threes in games against West Virginia and Louisville. Averaging 16.8 points per game across his Pitt career, he became the fourth fastest Panther to reach 1,000 points, finishing with 1,159 points and ranking seventh in program history for three-pointers.

Cole Matthews (WRES) solidified his legacy as one of Pitt wrestling’s elite, earning All-American honors with a fifth-place finish at the 2021-22 NCAA Championships and capturing two ACC titles at 141 pounds in 2022 and 2023. Over his five-year career, he compiled a 100-win record, went undefeated in ACC duals in his final two seasons, and defeated multiple top-ranked opponents, including a dramatic last-second takedown against national champion Jesse Mendez in 2023-24.

Panther Award

Landy Mertz (WSOC) wrapped up her standout Pitt career as both a player and leader, earning two United Soccer Coaches All-Atlantic Region selections (2022, 2023) and Academic All-America honors in 2022. A key contributor to Pitt's historic 2023 season, she helped the Panthers reach the NCAA Sweet Sixteen and was drafted by NC Courage in the NWSL. Mertz’s impressive career includes 14 assists in her senior year, a program-record 24 games played in 2023, and consistent academic excellence.

Dylan Reed (MS&D) capped his stellar Pitt diving career as one of the program's most accomplished athletes, qualifying for the NCAA Championships four times and earning six ACC Diver of the Week honors. A two-time ACC silver medalist in 2024 and bronze medalist in 2023, Reed also claimed multiple top finishes at NCAA Zone Championships and earned All-ACC Academic Team honors throughout his career. His exceptional performances helped him secure a spot on the USA Diving High Performance Squad, and his leadership on and off the boards solidified him as one top divers in program history.

2023 WINNERS

Blue and Gold Award

Serena Gray (VB) was integral in Pitt advancing to back-to-back Final Fours. In her two seasons as a Panther, Gray was named an All-American, CoSIDA Academic All-American, ACC Co-Scholar Athlete of the Year, First Team All-ACC and AVCA East Coast All-Region both years she wore the royal and gold. She is currently top-10 in program history for total blocks, block assists, solo blocks, hitting percentage and service aces in a single season during the 25-point scoring era.

Deslin Alexandre (FB) was a two-time team captain (2021-22) for Pitt’s best football teams in four decades, helping the Panthers win 20 games and an ACC title during that time. After playing in 58 games with 35 starts during a productive career on the field, Alexandre received the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year and Coach Wooden Citizenship Cup and was named to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team for his community service work off the field during his time in Pittsburgh.

Jackson Walti (MSOC) ended his Pitt career as one of the best leaders and players in program history. Starting his career as a walk-on, Walti quickly earned the respect and trust of his teammates as he was a four-year team captain while setting the program record with 101 games played and 9,069 minutes played. He posted six goals, five assists and 17 points in his career while earning Second Team All-ACC honors in each of his final three seasons and All-ACC Academic team honors four times across his impressive career. Walti was drafted in the Second Round (56th overall) of the 2023 MLS SuperDraft by Austin FC.

Panther Award

Courtney Buzzerio (VB) made an immediate impact on the Pitt volleyball program in her fifth year. She was named an AVCA First Team All-American, AVCA East Coast Player of the Year, East Coast Region Team member, First Team All-ACC recipient and Madison NCAA Regional MVP. Her efforts helped propel Pitt to its second straight Final Four and fourth ACC Championship. Buzzerio has cemented her name in the record books and is top-10 in kills, kills per set and attacks in a single season during the 25-point scoring era.

Nino Bonaccorsi (WRES) made Pitt history by winning the NCAA national title at 197 pounds in 2023. He became Pitt’s 17th national champion in wrestling and first since Keith Gavin in 2008. A three-time All-American and ACC champion, Bonaccorsi was named Co-ACC Wrestler of the Year and ACC Wrestling Scholar Athlete of the Year after his undefeated senior campaign that finished with a perfect 21-0 record and his crowning moment in Tulsa.

Calijah Kancey (FB) wrapped up his Pitt career as the football program’s most decorated defensive tackle since Aaron Donald, earning Unanimous All-America status after a phenomenal 2022 campaign that saw him finish with 14.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. Also named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year, Kancey would go on to become Pitt’s 27th first-round pick when Tampa Bay selected him 19th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft.

2022 WINNERS

Blue and Gold Award

Olivia Miller (GYM) earned multiple All-EAGL First Team honors in the all-around and EAGL All-Tournament recognition in every event. She competed in all four events with career highs of 9.825 or higher on each one, as well as a top score of 39.250 in the all-around. Miller was the 2022 team captain in her final collegiate season and is the leader and role model that the team looks to and rallies around. Outside of the gym, Miller was an all-star student, earning a spot on the Dean’s List, EAGL-All Scholastic team, and ACC Academic Honor Roll in all four seasons. She was the President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Board (SAAC), served as a student mentor for Strong Women, Strong Girls, and volunteered countless hours towards the OBGYN/High Risk Patient Care department at Magee-Women's Hospital, as well as the Pitt Kids organization.

Amy Read (S&D) made history becoming the only Pitt diver to qualify for NCAA Championships all four years of their collegiate career. Read also qualified for all three events (1-meter, 3-meter, platform) for two second consecutive years and is one of only four divers in program history to accomplish this feat. In 2021, Read broke the school record in women’s platform diving against West Virginia (289.65) and broke her own record on the platform again the next season at the Western PA Invite (322.50).

Cal Adomitis (FB) achieved heights never before seen by a Pitt long snapper, earning All-America honors and winning the 2021 Patrick Mannelly Award as the top player in his position in all of college football. Adomitis played in 64 consecutive games for the Panthers and, away from the field, was also a fan favorite who raised more than $100,000 for UPMC Children’s Hospital during a charity campaign dubbed, “Cal’s Kids.” Adomitis quickly became the starting long snapper for the Cincinnati Bengals after moving on to the NFL ranks.

Felix Wolter (T&F) wrapped up his Pitt career as the first individual to win three straight ACC Championships in program history. Wolter set a meet record, school record, and facility record at the 2022 Indoor ACC Championships with a score of 6059 in the men’s heptathlon. In 2021, Wolter became the first heptathlete in program history to earn First Team All-America honors after setting the school record in the event with a score of 5,907.

Panther Award

Leketor Member-Meneh (VB) wrapped up her career as a Panther and made a difference right away. She was named an AVCA Second Team All-American, AVCA East Coast Region Team member, All-ACC First Team recipient and NCAA Regional All-Tournament MVP. Member-Meneh is top-10 in program history for most kills, kills per set, attacks and digs in an NCAA Tournament and helped the Panthers to their first Final Four appearance.

Kenny Pickett (FB) re-wrote the Pitt football record books and cemented himself among the program’s greats during a stellar career at quarterback. Pitt’s all-time leader in nearly every passing statistic, Pickett will be remembered most for his final season when he led the Panthers to the 2021 ACC title. Passing for 4,319 yards and 42 touchdowns, Pickett received the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award as the nation’s top upperclassman quarterback and became Pitt’s first Heisman Trophy finalist since Larry Fitzgerald in 2003. His story got even better when the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Pickett in the first round (20th overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft.

2021 WINNERS

Blue and Gold Award

Chinaza Ndee (VB) guided the Panthers to their first ACC Championship and Final Four. She was named the 2020 ACC Scholar-Athlete of the Year and was awarded the ACC postgraduate scholarship. In her final three seasons, she was named an All-American, First Team All-ACC member, AVCA East Coast All-Region Team member while also being named to the All-ACC Academic Team four times, 2021 NCAA Regional All-Tournament Team, 2020 Senior CLASS Award All-America Second Team and 2017 All-ACC Freshman Team.

Jimmy Morrissey (FB) went from unknown walk-on to NFL Draft pick during his time at Pitt, starting 47 games at center for the Panthers from 2017-20. Morrissey won his starting job as a redshirt freshman and was quickly put on scholarship, a decision which he validated by receiving All-ACC recognition three times and winning the 2020 Burlsworth Trophy as the most outstanding player in college football who began his career as a walk-on player. Morrissey was then drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders and has started several games in the NFL.

Jake Wentzel (WRES) became Pitt’s first three-time ACC champion in wrestling and advanced to the 2021 NCAA final at 165 pounds while helping the Panthers achieve their best team finish (11th) at nationals since 1970. After overcoming injuries at the start of his college career, Wentzel won ACC titles from 2020-22 and earned All-America honors twice, highlighted by his runner-up finish in 2021. Also an excellent student, Wentzel was named 2021 ACC Wrestling Scholar Athlete of the Year and made the NWCA Scholar All-America Team three times.

Panther Award

Kayla Lund (VB) has cemented her name in the record books. She helped lead the Panthers to their first Final Four in program history. Lund is the first Panther to be named an AVCA First Team All-American, VolleyballMag.com First Team All-American, Senior CLASS Award First Team All-American, two-time AVCA East Coast Region Player of the Year, two-time ACC Player of the Year, four-time All-ACC First Team member and AVCA National Player of the Week. In addition, she was granted the 2020 ACC Postgraduate Scholarship, was named a four-time All-American, four-time AVCA East Coast All-Region Team member, CoSIDA Academic All-American, four-time All-ACC Academic Team recipient, AVCA East Coast Region Freshman of the Year, ACC All-Freshman Team honoree and holds the program record for seven ACC Player of the Week honors.

Rashad Weaver (FB) dominated opposing offenses to garner consensus All-America status in 2020. Making a remarkable return to the field after missing the previous season due to injury, Weaver tallied 14.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery during his senior season. He was named first team All-ACC and a semifinalist for the Bednarik Award and was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Patrick Jones II (FB) received consensus All-America recognition following a dynamic 2020 season at defensive end. With 13 tackles for loss and nine sacks, Jones led the ACC in getting after the quarterback and was rewarded with first team All-ACC honors and became a semifinalist for the Bednarik Award and Lott Impact Trophy. After playing in 48 games with 38 starts for the Panthers, Jones was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 2021.

2020 WINNERS

Blue and Gold Award

Demetrius Thomas (WRES) finished 48-8 through two seasons at Pitt. He was a two-time ACC Champion and two-time NCAA Qualifier. In 2018-19 Thomas won the ACC Championship at 285 pounds, placed fourth at the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invite with a record of 7-2, went 1-2 at the NCAA Championship, and ranked as high as 8th in the country.

Stephanie Williams (VB) helped the Panthers earn their third consecutive ACC Championship with a perfect 18-0 record in conference play. A three-time All-American, outside hitter Williams has etched her name several times in the Pitt volleyball record book, where she ranks in the program's all-time top 10 for career kills, attempts, service aces and digs. The Eastlake, Ohio, native is the first Panther to earn four consecutive All-ACC selections and is one of just three in program history to record more than 1,300 kills and 1,000 digs in a career.

Panther Award

Maurice Ffrench (FB) was selected a team captain by his teammates in 2019. Ffrench went on to break Larry Fitzgerald’s Pitt record for receptions in a season, leading the NCAA with 96 catches. Ffrench was the consummate teammate who would do anything to help his team win, including playing special teams and even defense at times for the Panthers. He scored 16 total touchdowns in his collegiate career, bamboozling opponents and captivating Pitt fans with his ability to take the ball the length of the field for a score via reception, rush or kickoff return. Now a member of the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, Maurice Ffrench’s time at Pitt will never be forgotten.

Layne Van Buskirk (VB) a 6-foot-3 middle blocker out of Windsor, Ontario, was a lethal asset on both offense and defense for the Panthers over her four-year Pitt volleyball career. She helped the Panthers earn their third consecutive ACC Championship with a perfect 18-0 record in conference play ans was a part of Pitt’s fourth consecutive NCAA Second Round appearance. The two-time All-American ranks in the program’s top five all-time for hitting percentage, block assists and total blocks.

2019 WINNERS

Blue and Gold Award

Darrin Hall (FB) left his mark on Pitt athletics with 48 games played, 2,480 total yards and 22 touchdowns. His senior year, Hall averaged 7.5 rushing yards per carry, breaking Pitt’s former record of 6.6 yards per carry set by Tony Dorsett in 1975. Hall was not just successful on the field but also in the classroom. He was one of six Panthers named to the Hampshire Honor Society, a society comprised of college football players who maintained a cumulative 3.2 grade-point average or better throughout their college career. Hall was also named to the All-ACC Academic Football team multiple times throughout his career.

Gillian Schriever(XC) became the first cross country student-athlete since 2004 and second Panther ever to compete at the NCAA Championships in 2016, her sophomore year. That same year she earned All-ACC honors for her fifth place finish at the ACC Championships. Her junior year, Schriver led Pitt to its best Mid-Atlantic Regional team finish in program history and was the Panther’s top performer in every meet at which she competed. She also saw great success in the classroom, earning All-ACC Academic honors numerous times and USTFCCA All-Academic honors in 2017.

Javi Perez (MSOC) was a two-time captain of Pitt men’s soccer team where he finished his career with 35 games played, six goals, 19 points and seven assists. Perez helped lead Pitt to its first ACC tournament match win in program history his senior year. Due to his success on the field, Perez was named All-ACC second team in 2017 and 2018 and was named All-South Region third team in 2018. He also saw success in the classroom and was named to the All-ACC academic team in 2018. Perez was drafted by the LAFC in the MLS SuperDraft selection in 2019.

Panther Award

Kamalani Akeo (VB) was a key player on one of the most successful teams in Pitt history. Akeo won two ACC Championships, including the first in program history, and appeared in three NCAA Tournaments during her time at Pitt. Her senior year, Akeo helped the Panthers rank fifth nationally in average assists per set. She finished her career ranked third place all-time in Pitt history with 3,956 career assists. Akeo earned ACC Setter of the Year honors in 2016, AVCA All-East Coast Region First team in 2016 and 2017, All-ACC First team in 2017 and All-ACC Second Team in 2016.

Qadree Ollison (FB) finished his Pitt football career with 52 games, 2859 rushing yards, 375 receiving yards and 32 touchdowns. He finished his career ranked seventh all-time in rushing yards in Panther History. He was a Second Team All-ACC selection in 2015 and 2018 as well as earning ACC Offensive Rookie of the Year and Co-ACC Rookie of the Year honors in 2015. Following a standout senior year in which he ranked top in the nation in in yards per game (86.6 avg), Ollison was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons as the 152 pick in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Ollison broke the record for longest play from the line of scrimmage in Pitt history for his 97-yard touchdown run against Virginia Tech.

2018 WINNERS

Blue and Gold Award

Andin Fosam (T&F) earned All-ACC Second Team honors in weight throw for indoor Track & Field her junior and senior years. In her junior season, Fosam broke Pitt’s school record in the hammer throw and became the Panthers’ first female thrower to advance to the NCAA Championships since 2005. That same year, Fosam earned an All-America honorable mention in hammer throw. She also earned USTFCCA All-Academic honors and All-ACC Track & Field Academic honors with a dual major in biological sciences and history and philosophy of science and a minor in chemistry.

Ryan Winslow (FB) was selected first team All-ACC by league coaches, selected to the Associated Press and Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association his senior year when he averaged 44.5 yards on 57 punts, the best in the ACC. Winslow was acknowledged for his academic success. He earned All-ACC Academic Football Team honors twice in his career, was inducted into the Hampshire Honor Society for academic achievement, was a recipient of the ACC’s Weaver-James-Corrigan Postgraduate Award and was a semifinalist for the National Football Foundation William V. Campbell Trophy (presented to the nation’s top Scholar-Athlete).

Panther Award

Avonte Maddox (FB) finished his successful career at Pitt with seven sacks, six solo, including four his senior year; eight interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns; 183 tackles, including 136 solo tackles. Maddox also has one career touchdown off a kick return. His senior year, he was named All-ACC third team, Associated Press second team and ECAC Defensive Player of the Year. Following his time at Pitt, Maddox was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles as the 125 pick in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Maddox saw time as a cornerback for the Eagles in his first year in the league, where he recorded 28 tackles and two interceptions.

Meme Sharp (S&D) became the first female Pitt swimmer or diver to earn an ACC Title when she won the 3-meter ACC Champion her sophomore year. That same year she earned NCAA All-American honors for the 3-meter dive and was an ACC Finalist in the 1-meter dive for the second year in a row. Sharp holds three records for the Panthers in the 1-meter dive, 3-meter dive and platform dive. Her senior year, Sharp finished fifth on the 1-meter and seventh on the 3-meter at the NCAA Zone A Championships.

2017 WINNERS

Blue and Gold Award

Kinga Cichowska (S&D) made the trip to the NCAA Championships her senior year where she placed 39th in the 200-breast and 41st in the 100-breast. Throughout her four years at Pitt, Cichowska repeatedly earned points at the ACC Championships and her sophomore year set a meet record at the ECAC Championships in the 100-breast. Cichowska was an CSCAA Honorable Mention scholar All-American three times before being named a CSCAA First team Scholar All-American her senior year. She was also an All-ACC Academic selection three times in her career.

Dominic Giordano (S&D) became Pitt’s first Swimming & Diving NCAA Champion when he won the 3-meter Dive in 2016, while being a finalist in the 1-meter Dive at the same competition. The same year, Giordano was the ACC Male Diver of the Year. That performance came a year after he won the ACC Championships in the platform dive. In 2017, his senior season, Giordano earned NCAA All-American honors in the 1-meter Dive and Platform dive. He also won his second ACC Championship when he won the 3-meter Dive and was the ACC Championships’ Most Valuable Diver. He set a Pitt school record in all three diving events during his career and earned All-ACC Academic Honors.

Panther Award

Dorian Johnson (FB) ended his career at Pitt with first team All-American and first team All-ACC honors. Johnson was the first Panther to be an All-American selection in 22 years. Those awards came one year after he earned second team All-ACC honors. The offensive lineman played in 51 games during his four years at Pitt, starting 42 of those contests. Johnson became the first true freshman to start on Pitt’s offensive line since 2006. After he ended his career as a Panther, Johnson was selected by the Arizona Cardinals as the 115 pick in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft.

Desmond Palmer (T&F) was a numerous first and second team All-ACC honor recipient. In addition to those awards, Palmer was named a first team All-American once and a second team All-American twice. He was a three-time NCAA qualifier in the 400-meter hurdles and won numerous medals in both indoor and outdoor ACC Championships.

Jenna Potts (VB) ended her career as Pitt’s all-time leader in total blocks (573) and block assists (509). That same year, Potts helped lead the Panthers to their first NCAA appearance in 12 years and advanced to the second round for the first time in 13 years. Pott’s .331 hitting percentage ranked sixth all-time in Pitt history and her 64 solo blocks ranked fifth. Her senior year, Potts earned AVCA All-East Coast Region first team, All-ACC first team and AVCA Divisoin I All-American Honorable Mention honors.

2016 WINNERS

Blue and Gold Award

Lindsay Offutt (GYM) was named to the All-EAGL First team on floor her first three season before being named the EAGL Senior Gymnast of the Year in her senior season. Offutt led Pitt to their first-ever EAGL Championship in 2016, where she was named a member of the EAGL All-tournament First team in every event, including the all-around. That same year, Offutt became the first Panther to qualify for Nationals since 2007.

Artie Rowell (FB) played in 30 games during his time as a Panther and was selected a team captain his senior year. The offensive lineman played a large role in helping Pitt produce a 1,000-yard rusher in the Panthers’ Qadree Ollison. His junior year, Rowell earned All-Bowl Team recognition from NFL.com after his performance in Pitt’s Little Caesar’s Pizza 30-27 bowl win over Bowling Green. While at Pitt, Rowell served on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and acted as president in 2014-15. He was one of three ACC student-athletes and 15 nationwide who voted on proposed governance rule changes for the NCAA.

Panther Award

Amanda Orchard (VB) finished her career at Pitt with 579 kills and a .369 kill percentage. Her senior year she was an All-American honoree, first team All-Region selection, first team All-ACC, All-ACC Academic selection, Senior CLASS first team honoree, awarded a post graduate scholarship and was a 2016 NCAA Woman of the Year nominee. Orchard also saw a decorated junior campaign where she earned an AVCA All-American Honorable Mention and was an AVCA First team All-Region honoree and first team All-ACC.

James Robinson (MBB) finished his career at Pitt with 136 games and 1,115 points. Robinson ranks among the Panthers all-time leaders in assists and free throw percentage. During his time at Pitt, Robinson was named to the All-ACC Academic Team and was on the ACC Academic Honor Roll in addition to being nominated for the Allstate NABC Good Works team. Robinson was the first player in Panthers’ history to earn two international gold medals.

Andrew Wells (T&F) was the ACC weight throw champion his senior year when he threw a school record and later earned second team All-American honors. During his time at Pitt, Wells came in first place in numerous meets and broke his own school record on multiple occasions while competing in the hammer throw and weight throw.

2015 WINNERS

Blue and Gold Award

Brianna Kiesel (WBB), a three-time team captain on the women’s basketball team, finished her career ranked fifth on Pitt’s all-time scoring list with 1,938 points, fifth in all-time assists list with 433 and third in career free throw percentage .795. Kiesel started every game of her career, leading the Panthers in scoring and assists every season. She was Pitt’s first ever USBWA and ACC Player of the Week honoree. She was the first player in program history to have over 1,500 career points, 500 career rebounds and 400 career assists. Kiesel was voted first team All-ACC, All-ACC Defensive team and All-ACC Academic Team multiple times in her career and was a finalist for the Nany Lieberman Award, which honors the top point guards in the nation.

Tyler Wilps (WRES) ended his decorated Pitt career as a NCAA National Runner-Up. He was Pitt’s first NCAA finalist since 2008 and was an ACC Champion at 174 pounds, for the second time (also in 2014). Wilps qualified for the NCAAs during three of his four years with the Panthers. Wilps was named an NCAA All-American in 2014 and 2015 and was a two-time EWL Runner-Up. He also saw success in the classroom as a member of the EWL All-Academic Team.

Panther Award

T.J. Clemmings (FB) did not play offensive line until his redshirt-junior year but he made up for lost time quickly. He finished his redshirt-senior year with a second team All-American selection by the Football Writers Association of America and was selected first team All-ACC. Before playing offensive line, Clemmings saw time as a defensive end where he appeared in eight games. After joining the offensive line, Clemmings started every game of his redshirt junior and senior seasons for 26 total games.

Brianna Kiesel (WBB), a three-time team captain on the women’s basketball team, finished her career ranked fifth on Pitt’s all-time scoring list with 1,938 points, fifth in all-time assists list with 433 and third in career free throw percentage .795. Kiesel started every game of her career, leading the Panthers in scoring and assists every season. She was Pitt’s first ever USBWA and ACC Player of the Week honoree. She was the first player in program history to have over 1,500 career points, 500 career rebounds and 400 career assists. Kiesel was voted first team All-ACC, All-ACC Defensive team and All-ACC Academic Team multiple times in her career and was a finalist for the Nany Lieberman Award, which honors the top point guards in the nation.

Max Thomusseit (WRES) was a four-time NCAA qualifier during his time at Pitt and made three appearances in Round 12 of the Championships. Thomusseit won his first ACC Championship in 2015 after finishing second in 2014. He was the EWL Runner-Up and was voted the EWL Freshman of the Year in 2011. Thomusseit finished his collegiate career with a 91-27 record.

2014 WINNERS

Blue and Gold Award

Katie O’Rourke (GYM) competed at NCAA Regionals three of her four years at Pitt. Her senior year, O’Rourke earned first team All-Tournament honors at the EAGL Championships in addition to being named to the first team All-Tournament in floor. That was O’Rourke’s third first team All-Tournament honor. Her junior year, O’Rourke earned a spot on the All-EAGL First Team for floor and Second Team for beam. She was named Most Valuable Freshman her first year.

Lamar Patterson (MBB) started 66 consecutive games at small forward and ranks among school leaders in career assist-turnover ratio (1.81). He finished his career at Pitt with 1,410 points and a .449 shooting percentage. Patterson was often recognized by his teammates and coaches for his efforts. He earned the Captains and Coaches Award in 2012-13, the team co-MVP award at the team banquet in 2011-12 and co-Most Improved Player Award in 2010-11.

Panther Award

Aaron Donald (FB) is one of the most dominant and decorated defensive players in Pitt history. His senior year, Donald earned unanimous first team All-American status, the first Pitt defensive player who receive the award unanimously since Hugh Green in 1980. Donald was the winner of the Bronko Nagurski Tophy for the nation’s most outstanding defensive player, Chuck Bednarik Award for defensive player of the year, Outland Trophy for the nation’s best offensive or defensive interior lineman and Rotary Lombarsdi Award for the national most outstanding lineman or linebacker. He earned ACC Defensive Player of the Year honors after leading the nation in tackles for loss, the sixth Pitt football player to lead the nation in a stat category. After earning 16 sacks in just his junior and senior year, Donald was drafted in the first round with the 13 overall pick of the 2014 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams. Donald was named the NFL Defensive player of the year in 2017 and 2018, becoming just the third player to earn the award in consecutive years. Donald continues to give back to Pitt and because of that, the ground floor of Pitt’s Duratz Athletic Complex practice facility is named the “Aaron Donald Football Performance Center.”

Ashley Corum (T&F) competed in and had success in multiple events for the Panthers. Corum’s junior year, she qualified for the first round of regionals after finished fourth at the Big East Outdoor Championships. She made a quick impact on Pitt’s team, coming in first place in the triple jump at the Big East Indoor Championships her freshman year. Corum finished in fifth place in the Big East Outdoor Championships the same year. Her sophomore year, Corum place fifth and sixth in the triple jump at the Big East Indoor and Outdoor championships and followed that up with a fourth place finish in the indoor meet her junior year. Corum claimed six first place finishes at different meets throughout her time at Pitt.

2013 WINNERS

Blue and Gold Award

Elizabeth Kline (T&F) won the Big East Indoor and Outdoor Track Champion in the pentathlon, becoming the 10th Pitt athlete in program history to win a championship. She also reached the NCAA Natioal Outdoor Championship Meet. Kline took fourth place in the indoor and outdoor pentathlon at the Big East Championships her sophomore year. She was also recognized for her academic achievements, being named to the USTFCCCA 2013 All-Academic team. Kline graduated with a 3.71 GPA in applied developmental psychology.

Adam Maczewski (S&D) earned numerous event wins during his time at Pitt. He started his career as a standout swimmer, earning All-Big East honors setting school records in the 50 and 100 backstroke. Maczewski was a part of the 200 medley relay team that won an ECAC title. His sophomore year, Maczewski won his first individual ECAC championship after coming in first place in the 100-back. He was once again recognized with All-Big East honors.

Panther Award

Jonnique Lawrence (T&F) won the Big East Indoor Championships in the 200-meter dash her senior year. Later that year, she took home second place in the Big East Outdoor Championships in the same event. She captured another second place win, this time in the 400-meter dash at the ECAC/IC4A Championships. Lawrence finished her career with eight top-10 finishes at the indoor and out Big East Championships.

Matt Wilps (WRES) finished his career at Pitt as a three-time NCAA qualifier and a three-time EWL champion. The 2012 and 2013 All-American wrestled at 197 pounds and finished with a 129-37 record that included 16 pins.

Zac Thomusseit (WRES) ended his Pitt career with a 97-36 record that included 23 pins. Thomusseit finished his career ranking 11th on the Panthers’ all-time pins list with 11. He was a three-time NCAA qualifier for Pitt and a 2013 All-American. Thomusseit also won two EWL championships and was the runner-up twice.

2012 WINNERS

Blue and Gold Award

Allicia Talucci (GYM) started her Pitt career with one of the best seasons from a true freshman in program history. In her first year, Talucci qualified for the NCAA Regional Championships in the all-around, was EAGL’s Rookie of the Year, earned All-EAGL first team honors on beam and all-around and second team honors on vault and voted Team MVP. Talucci continued her success her sophomore year when she qualified for the NCAA Regional Championships for the second consecutive year. She was also named First team All-EAGL on beam, floor and all around. Talucci came in third place on beam at the EAGL Championships her sophomore year. She was also named to the EAGL All-Academic team.

Myles Caragein (FB) was redshirted his first year at Pitt, but made a place for himself on the scouting squad where he immediately impressed the coaches, who named him Pitt’s Defensive Prep Player of the Year. In his first full season with the team, Caragein played in 12 games, often coming up with big defensive plays in the final minutes of a game. He continued that streak into his redshirt-sophomore year where he once against started 12 games before he was sidelined with an injury. Going into his final season with the Panthers, Caragein was thought to be half of the best defensive tackle tandem in the Big East. Caragein was a three-time Big East All-Academic Football Team selection.

Panther Award

Cambrya Jones (T&F) is a five-time school record holder at Pitt. In 2012, Jones was the Women’s Most Outstanding Track performer at the Big East Outdoor Championships after capturing titles in both the 100 and 200 -meter dash. In 2013, Jones was selected to compete for Team USA at the Five Nations Meet.

Ashton Gibbs (MBB) became the 38th player in Pitt history to score over 1,000 career points. Gibbs was known for his three-point shots, converting at least three or more three-pointers in 43 career games, Gibbs had at least one three-pointer in 80 of 100 career games and in each of his last 32 consecutive games played. He ranks among Pitt’s best in scoring leaders, three-point field goals made, three-point field goal percentage and free throw percentage. Gibbs was a Wooden Award nominee, AP All-America Honorable Mention selection, USBWA All-District 2 First team selection, NABC All-District 5 First team selection, ECAC Second Team All-Star, All-Big East First team honoree and preseason All-Big East First team selection his senior year. He finished his career holding the school record for most three-pointers hit in an NCAA Tournament game with six.

2011 WINNERS

Blue and Gold Award

Kristen McMullan (S&D) made waves at the Big East Championships every year she competed for Pitt. Her junior year, McMullan posted top Big East times in the 50 and 100-free, earning ECAC titles in both events. During her time with the Panthers, McMullan set numerous school records and was a part of multiple record breaking and top finishing relay teams.

Ryan Tomei (WRES) competed as a heavy weight wrestler for the Panthers. While he was at Pitt, Tomei was selected to Team USA’s wrestling team and traveled to Poland to compete in the Ziolkowski International. He entered the 2009-10 season, his breakout season, ranked 15th on Pitt’s career pins list. As a redshirt junior, Tomei qualified for the NCAA Championships, where he won the opening round. He also earned the EWL Championship heavyweight title and was named the 2010 EWL Outstanding Wrestler, finishing the season 33-7 overall.

Panther Award

Amy Town (VB) was team captain and a second team All-Big East selection her senior year when she led the team in kills (422) and services aces (27). Town finished her career top-ten all-time in kills in Pitt history with 1,207, after recording 20 or more kills in six matches her senior season. In addition to her success on the court, Town was also named a Big East Academic All-Star multiple times throughout her career as a biology major and music minor.

Brad Wannamaker (MBB) was a standout player for Pitt’s men’s basketball team, recording eight career double-doubles and 48 double-digit scoring games. Wannamaker started 68 consecutive games, in doing so became the 39th player in school history to score over 1,000 career points, and was one-of-two players to have at least 1,000 career points, 500 rebounds and 400 assists. He finished his career ranking among the top in Panthers history in points, steals and assists. His senior year, Wannamaker was an AP All-American Honorable Mention, USBWA All-District 2 Second Team selection, NABC All-District 5 Second Team selection and became the third player in school history to earn the Big East Sportsmanship Award.

2010 WINNERS

Blue and Gold Award

Megan Dooley (VB) is a three-time All-Big East Second Team member, was named to the ESPN Academic All-District Second Team her junior year and was named a Big East Academic All-Star and earned ESPN the Magazine All-Academic honors her sophomore year. Her junior year, Dooley led the team in solo blocks (28) for the second straight year, was second in total blocks (212) and third in kills (260) for the second straight year.

Adam Gunn (FB) was a Pitt standout before suffering a season ending neck injury in the opening game of his redshirt-senior season. Before his injury, Gunn collected four tackles and a forced fumble in the opener. Gunn started every game his redshirt-junior season being the third-leading tackler on the team with 59 stops, including six tackles-for-loss. His redshirt freshman and sophomore years Gunn tallied two blocked punts, a forced fumble and was named to the Big East All-Academic Football Team.

Panther Award

Nate Byham (FB) was a candidate for the John Mackey Award, annually presented to the top tight end in the nation and a preseason candidate for the Rotary Lombardi Award, was one of two tight ends nationally to earn that distinction, going into his senior season. Byham played in 34 games going into his senior season and was selected first team All-Big East after his junior year. He finished his career at Pitt with three touchdowns, 47 receptions and two tackles. He played three years in the NFL for two different teams, scoring one touchdown.

Megan Dooley (VB) is a three-time All-Big East Second Team member, was named to the ESPN Academic All-District Second Team her junior year and was named a Big East Academic All-Star and earned ESPN the Magazine All-Academic honors her sophomore year. Her junior year, Dooley led the team in solo blocks (28) for the second straight year, was second in total blocks (212) and third in kills (260) for the second straight year.

2009 WINNERS

Blue and Gold Award

Kristy Borza (TEN) was a three-time MVP and captain of the women’s tennis team. She finished her career holding all-time school records in single-season singles wins (28), career singles wins (91), career doubles wins (85) and combined wins (176). She also ranked second in most doubles wins in a season (23). Borza was the fastest Panther to record 100 career victories after competiting in just 137 career matcher her junior year. She won two Eastern Collegiate Championships and was the first Panther to receive an ITA singles ranking. Off the court, Borza won the 2008-09 Big East/Aeropostale Institutional Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award. She was a three-time member of the Big East Academic All-Star Team, four-time Dean’s list honoree and member of the Athletic Director’s High Honor Roll.

Conor Lee (FB) ranked fifth nationally in field goals/game his redshirt senior season. He also led the Big East in field goals/game, field goal percentage, PAT percentage and kick scoring. He made a school-record 113 consecutive PATs. He ranks first all-time on Pitt’s leaderboard for most field goals (50) and ranks third in career points with 263. His senior year, Lee was named the Big East Football Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

Scott McKillop (FB) is thought to be one of the finest middle linebackers to ever play at Pitt. During his time with the Panther, McKillop anchored two nationally ranked defenses. His senior year, he was named to the Football Writers Association of America All-America Team and was selected the Big East Defensive Player of the Year. His junior year, McKillop was the NCAA statistical champion in tackles, averaging 12.58 per game. He finished his career at Pitt with 344 career tackles, ranking in the top-10.

Panther Award

Levance Fields (MBB) was described as a winner. He is a three-time Bob Cousy award candidate, made 64 starts at point guard, scored 1,247 points, dished out 645 assists and grabbed 391 rebounds in 131 career games. Fields holds the school record for assist-turnover rate with 2.47. He also received numerous All-Big East selections. Sam Young (MBB) played in 107 consecutive career games with 42 starts. During that time, Young became the 35 player in school history to score over 1,000 career points. He scored double-digits in 44 of his last 48 games and recorded six career double-doubles. During his time at Pitt, Young was an Associated Press All-America Honorable Mention, Wooden Award finalist, Naismith Award finalist, named to the USBWA All-District 1 Team, selected to the NABC All-District 2 First team and was the Big East Most Improved Player.

Shavonte Zellous (WBB) helped lead Pitt to its first NCAA appearance in program history her sophomore year and then to Sweet 16 appearance her junior year. Zellous earned All-Big East First Team honors numerous times throughout her career as a Panther. She was also the Big East’s Most Improved Player, becoming the first player in Pitt history to win the award. Her senior year, Zellous scored a team record 747 points to become the first Pitt women’s basketball player to score over 2,000 points in over 17 years. Zellous finished her career ranking third on the Panthers’ all-time list with 2,251 points. The Detroit Shock selected her in the first round of the 2009 WNBA Draft. She won the WNBA Championship in 2012 and was named a WNBA All-Star in 2013.

2008 WINNERS

Blue and Gold Award

Keith Gavin (WRES) was the 2008 174-pound National Champion and was a two-time All-American. He finished his career ranked eighth in program history with 120 career wins. Gavin is also a two-time EWL champion, two-time EWL Wrestler of the Year and a member of the EWL Hall of Fame. After his career at Pitt, Gavin was a member of the U.S. National team, placing third at the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials before winning the U.S. National Championship in 2013 and 2014. Gavin was named the head coach of Pitt’s wrestling team in 2017.

Marcedes Walker (WBB) started her career at Pitt by being named to the All-Big East Rookie Team and earning honorable mention All-Big East honors. She was the first Pitt player to earn All-Big East honors as a freshman and the first Panther player to be a rookie team selection in five years. Her sophomore year, Walker was named to the All-Big East first team after finishing in the top-10 in scoring, rebounding, and field-goal percentage. That same year she led Pitt in scoring, rebounding, blocks and steals. Walker became the first Panther player in 16 years to be named to the Kodak/WBCA District I All-America team after a standout junior season, earning a double-double in nine games, including one in an NCAA Tournament game.

Panther Award

Kelley O’Hara (S&D) helped the 200-free relay to an NCAA provisional time of 1:32.90 and a fifth place finish at the Big East Conference Championships her junior year. Her sophomore year, O’Hara earned All-Big East honors for her performance on the 200-freestyle relay team that set a school record. She was a part of the Taper & Shave College Quick 50 for her part in the 200 and 400 freestyle relays her freshman year when she also finished fifth at the Big East Championships in the 50 free.

Jeremy Stultz (S&D) became the first Pitt diver to earn All-American honors since 1997 and the fourth Pitt diver ever to earn the distinction in the 2006-07 season. Stultz was the Most Valuable Diver at the Big East Championships after he won his second consecutive 3-meter Big East Championship. His sophomore year, Stultz earned two Big East diving titles and a bid to the NCAA Championships. That was his third consecutive championship after he won the 1-meter and took second in the 3-meter dives at the Big East Championships his freshman year. Stultz earned All-Big East honors and competed in the U.S. Speedo Diving National Championships in 2005 where he placed 15th in the 1-meter.

2007 WINNERS

Blue and Gold Award

H.B. Blades (FB) finished his time at Pitt with 153 solo tackles, 268 total tackles, two sacks and six interceptions for 54 yards. As the Panthers’ defensive leader, Blades was an All-American entering his senior season and was a preseason candidate for the Butkus Award, Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Rotary Lombardi Award and Ronnie Lott Trophy. Blades was selected first team All-Big East for consecutive years and Defensive MVP his sophomore year. He was also named a team captain his junior year. He played in the NFL for four years, earning 98 total tackles.

Aaron Gray (MBB) scored 1,109 points in his four years with the Panthers. He also accumulated 147 assists and 41 steals. He was an All-American and Big East Player of the Year candidate, deciding to return to Pitt for his senior season instead of entering the NBA Draft. He was the 2005-06 Big East Most Improved Player and All-Big East First team honoree. His junior year, Gray was the only Big East player to average a double-double with 13.9 points and 10.5 rebounds. He also helped lead the Panthers to three NCAA Tournament appearances and three 20-win seasons.

Julianna Reed (T&F) was a two-time Big East Outdoor Champion for Pitt in the 400-meter hurdles and 1,600-meter relay. She was also a two-time qualifier for the NCAA Championships where she made it to semifinals of the 400-meter hurdles and an All-American. In addition to those awards, Reed won ECAC Championships in the 100-meter hurdles and 400-meter hurdles and earned Big East All-Conference honors in 2005 and 2006. She also saw academic success making the Big East All-Academic team.

Panther Award

Kristin Brown (S&D) won the Big East Championship in the 200 freestyle and earned an outright big to the NCAAs for the 200-freestyle, 500-freestyle and freestyle relay her junior year. She was an All-Big East team selection for the third straight year. Her sophomore year she was voted team MVP by her coaches and was a member of the Taper & Shave College Quick 50. She competed at the Big East Championships every year at Pitt and was named a Big East Academic All-Star.

Tyler Palko (FB) finished his decorated Pitt career with 8,343 passing yards, 66 passing touchdowns and a 60-percent pass competition. Palko also has 86 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns. He was a two-time All-Big East honoree and Pitt captain. His redshirt junior season, Palko finished ranked 25th nationally in points responsible for (13.64 points/game) and second in the Big East in passing yards-per-game (217.5 avg). Palko went on to play five years in the NFL, earning two touchdowns and 831 total yards. He was inducted into the Pennsylvania Hall of Fame.

2006 WINNERS

Blue and Gold Award

Megan McGrane (VB) was the libero in Pitt volleyball history and started each of her fours at Pitt. She earned two Big East Libero of the Year awards and All-American honors for her performance on the court. McGrane finished her career with 2,424 digs, which ranked fourth among NCAA Division I players at the time. In addition to having her name atop NCAA record boards, she finished her career ranked first in Pitt history for most digs in a single match, season and career. When she graduated, McGrane had nearly 1,000 more digs in her career than other player in Pitt history. She was also named Big East Scholar-Athlete of the Year, was a Big-East representative on the National Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and was nominated as a candidate for NCAA Woman of the Year in 2006.

Jason Miller (S&D) started out his Pitt career with a Big East Championship in the 200-meter fly. He also helped lead the 400-medley relay team to a second place finish at the championships. Miller’s success continued into his sophomore year when he earned four more Big East honors and was named a Big East Academic All-Star. As a junior, Miller was team MVP and a key member of the 200-free Big East Championship relay team.

Jamie Pelusi (WSOC) started 53 consecutive games at goalkeeper and graduated holding the school record in career saves with 339, tied for most career shutouts with 10 and least goals allowed in a season. Pelusi was became Pitt’s third all-time recipient of the Big East award when she earned the honor in 2004. In addition to her on field success, Pelusi was named a Big East Academic All-Star. After graduating, Pelusi traveled to Africa volunteering with Project Educate, working to improve education standards.

Panther Award

Carl Krauser (MBB) finished his career at Pitt playing in 126 games with 1,642 points, 568 assists and 190 steals. Krauser was just the fifth player in school history to score both 1,000 points and record 400-career assists. He was the 33rd player in school history to score over 1,000 points. His junior year, Krauser was a finalist for the Bob Cousy Award honoring the nation’s top point guard. He was a second team All-Big East selection, USBWA All-District 1 team selection and was the team’s Most Inspirational Player. He was atop the nation’s leader boards for points and assists throughout his career.

Maureen McCandless (T&F, XC) received All-American honors twice for her athletic performance and at the end of her senior year was named to EPSN The Magazine’s Academic All-District women’s track and field/cross country team. McCandless is one of Pitt’s most decorated runners. She finished fifth at the 2006 NCAA Indoor Championships in the 5,000-meters and fifth at the 2004 NCAA Cross Country Championships. She finished her career with nine school records as well as two Big East championships and a “Most Outstanding Track Performer” honor.

2005 WINNERS

Blue and Gold Award

Dan Stephens (FB) was selected All-Big East Conference and named Pitt’s Most Valuable Defensive Lineman his senior year. He helped lead the Panthers to their 2004 Big East title and the first BCS appearance in program history at the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. Stephens played in four bowl games during his time at Pitt. He was also two-time Academic All-American and a four-time Big East Academic honoree as an urban studies major. He was named to the Dean’s List every semester and went onto obtain his master’s degree from Pitt.

Tamara McGill (T&F) earned Most Outstanding Field Performer of the Year at the 2003 Big East Outdoor Championships. McGill also won three Big East Championships in the Heptathlon.

Panther Award

Vince Crochunis (FB) became the first three-time Academic All-American in Panther’s football history after being selected to the ESPN the Magazine Academic All-American Football Team his senior year. Crochunis started 36 consecutive games at nose tackle and was a first team All-Big East selection. He had 42 tackles, 7.5 tackles-for-losses and 2.5 sacks his senior season. Crochunis served on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and graduated from Pitt with a triple major in history, political science and communication and rhetoric.

Amanda Walker (T&F) earned All-American Honors in both indoor and outdoor track and field after competiting at the NCAA Championships her senior year. Walker placed seventh at the NCAA Outdoor Championships with a shot put throw of 16.48-meters to earn the All-American honors. The honor was just another accolade for her impressive career, helping Pitt sweep the Big East (indoor and outdoor) and ECAC (indoor and outdoor) championships her senior year. At the Big East Indoor Championships, Walker was named the Most Outstanding Field Performer, setting a Big East record in the 20-pound weight throw and shot put.

Megan Miller (VB) finished her ranking second in hitting percentage with .363 percent, seventh in career kills with 1,239 and third in solo blocks with 92. While at Pitt, Miller was the Big East Player of the Year, Big East Preseason Player of the Year, a two-time AVCA All-Region honoree, a two-time member of the All-Big East First Team, an All-Big East Second Team mention and a two-time AVCA All-America Honorable Mention. Miller helped lead the Panthers to a regular season and Big East Tournament championship.

2004 WINNERS

Blue and Gold Award

Eric Limkemann (S&D) was a co-captain of Pitt’s men’s swim team, earning numerous Big East Championships, including two in his junior year. Limkemann, who competed in freestyle and breaststroke, was a key role on some of Pitt’s top finishing relay teams. Going into his senior year, Limkemann had won three-consecutive championships in the 1,650-yard freestyle and two consecutive championships in the 500-yard freestyle. He achieved academic success as a Big East Academic All-Star and University Scholar-Athlete.

Carolyne Savini (S&D) had one of the best seasons of any Pitt swimmer in her junior year when she broke six individual school records, three relay school records and earned honorable mention All-America status after an 11th place finish in the 200-yard backstroke at the NCAA Championships. Savini was one of the Panther’s top swimmer since she joined the team her first year, competing in the Big East Championships all four years. In the classroom, Savini was a Big East Academic All-Star and University Scholar Athlete.

Panther Award

Rod Rutherford (FB) holds the singe-season passing record with 3,679 yards. He finished his career with 458 completions, a 54.4 completion rate and 60 touchdowns. His senior year, Rutherford was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy after ranking fifth in the NCAA in passing efficiency and led the Big East in passing yards-per-game. His 25 touchdowns his senior year was the third-highest single-season total in Pittsburgh history. Rutherford is also one of only four Pitt quarterbacks to ever throw for more than 5,000 yards.

Wendy Hatlestad (VB) finished her career ranking third in most career kills (1,681) and attempts (4,144) in Panther history. She broke the record for single season kills (55) and single match aces (8). While at Pitt, Hatlestad was an All-American third team member, Big East Player of the Year, Big East Tournament and regular season champion, two-time AVCA All-Region team member, two-time All-Big East First Team honoree, Big East All-Rookie team honoree and a Big East Honorable Mention.

Jaron Brown (MBB) finished his career at Pitt with 1,258 points, 295 assists and 192 steals in 137 games and 109 starts.

2003 WINNERS

Blue and Gold Award

Nikki Borza (TEN) was a team captain for Pitt for three years. She recorded a team-high 18 wins her freshman year and went on to be named the team’s MVP. Borza finished her career with a 63-49 singles record and 49-45 in doubles. She graduated holding Pitt’s ninth-best combined record with 112 career wins. Borza also excelled in the classroom, earning the ITA Scholar-Athlete Award in 2002 and was a University Scholar-Athlete Award recipient. She made Dean’s List and Athletic Director’s High Honor Roll all four years.

Carl Fronhofer (WRES) advanced to the national championships finals at 174-pounds his senior year, leading the way to earn All-American honors. Fronhofer finished his five-year career at Pitt with a 123-39 record, ranking third on Pitt’s all-time wins list at the time. He became Pitt’s fifth first-year wrestler to record 30 wins after finishing his freshman campaign with a 30-11 record. He also made three straight appearances at the NCAA championships and won an EWL title.

Michael Grube (S&D) claimed four Big East titles as a freshman and qualified for the national championships and helped Pitt win its fourth consecutive Big East Championship. His sophomore year, Grube was named the Big East Outstanding Swimmer of the Year and won the 50-yard freestyle at the Big East Championships three straight years.

Panther Award

Gerald Hayes (FB) was a two-time All-Big East First Team selection and a one-time All-Big East Second Team selection. He was a team captain for the Panthers and earned a spot in the East-West Shrine Game, a game that honors the top college football players from the East and West coast and benefits Shriners Hospital.

Brandin Knight (MBB) played a large role in the turnaround of Pitt’s basketball program. Knight helped lead Pitt to two consecutive Big East regular season titles, two NCAA Sweet Sixteen appearances, the program’s first Big East Tournament title, three consecutive appearances in the Big East Tournament final and an 89-10 four-year record. Knight was a 2003 Wooden All-American team selection, 2002 Associated Press All-American team member and two-time All-Big East honoree. He finished his career at Pitt with 1,440 points, 785 assists, 492 rebounds and 298 steals. He finished his career holding school records for career assists, career assist average, career steals, career 3-point field goal attempt and season minutes played and consecutive games played with at least one assist. Knight later came back to Pitt as an assistant coach and his No. 20 jersey was retired on March 4, 2009.

Carrie Norris (VB) finished her career holding the record for most career assists at Pitt with 4,727. She also ranked fifth in service aces with 137 at the time. While with the Panthers, Norris was an AVCA All-Region honoree, member of the Big East All-Rookie team, a two-time member of the Big East Second Team and an All-Big East Honorable Mention.

2002 WINNERS

Blue and Gold Award

Bryan Knight (FB) was an All-Big East First and Second Team selection and earned a spot on the Big East All-Academic Football team. He was a team captain for the Panthers and earned a spot in the East-West Shrine Game, a game that honors the top college football players from the East and West coast and benefits Shriners Hospital.

Karen Thibodeau (S&D) competed in the individual medley and backstroke for Pitt while also anchoring many of the freestyle relays. She was a part of the relay team that broke the school record in the 800 freestyle at the Big East Championships her junior year. Thibodeau competed in the Big East Championships all four years during her time at Pitt. In the classroom, Thibodeau was a Big East Academic All-Star and University Scholar-Athlete.

Panther Award

Rachel Brown (WSOC) transferred to Pitt her junior year from the University of Alabama. She finished her combined collegiate career with 468 saves and 12 shutouts. During her time with the Panthers, Brown was named the Big East Goalkeeper of the Year and was named to the All-Big East First team her junior and senior seasons. Brown held three school records upon graduating from Pitt, including most saves in a single career game (16), least amount of goals allowed (56 in 32 games played) and the lowest goals allowed average of any goalkeeper in school history with a 1.87. After her career at Pitt, Brown went on to compete in the FIFA World Cup as the starting goalkeeper for England’s national team.

Miah Heath (SWIM) won three Big East titles his junior year, giving him nine total in his career entering his senior season. His sophomore year, Heath competed in the 2000 Olympics in butterfly and won five Big East titles.

2001 WINNERS

Blue and Gold Award

Matt Irvin (BASE) was a pitcher for Pitt’s baseball team. He finished his career with 169 career strikeouts, 14 wins, 51 appearances, 34 games started and 217.1 innings pitched, all which rank in the top-20 in program history upon his graduation. Irvin also finished his career tied for 12th place with the most strikeouts in a single season recording 76 in 1999.

Monique Toney (WBB) finished her career ranked sixth in Pitt women’s basketball history in free throw percentage, making .778 percent of the shots. She also ranked seventh in most career three-pointers made (117) and most career three-point attempts (340) at the time. Toney led the team in assists and steals in 1998 and 2000, those two seasons she had 198 assists and 73 steals, combined.

Panther Award

Marcia Thiesen (VB) graduated ranking sixth in Pitt history with 1,261 kills and 3,449 attempts and eighth in digs with 1,266. While with the Panthers, Thiesen earned All-Big East Second Team honors.

Ricardo Greer (MBB) was the first Panther to record at least 1,000 points, 500 rebounds and 250 assists in a career. He was the fifth Pitt player to record 500 points in a season. Greer ranked eighth on Pitt’s all-time scoring list with 1,753 points, sixth on the all-time rebound list with 888 and fifth on the steals list with 196 upon finishing his career.

2000 WINNERS

Blue and Gold Award

Scott VanEpps (S&D) won two Big East titles during his four years at Pitt. Competing and placing in his conference champions all four years, VanEpps won the 100-yard breaststroke and was a part of the championship 400-medly relay his sophomore year. His senior year, VanEpps earned a third and fourth place finish and the championships. In the classroom, VanEpps earned a 3.94 GPA in chemical engineering and molecular biology. He was named the Big East Scholar-Athlete of the Year, earned Dean’s List and Athletic Director’s Honor Roll accolades every semester, was an Academic All-American and was awarded the Tierney Scholarship for Chemical Engineers.

Jamie Tomazich (S&D) was a 1997 All-American on the one-meter diving board, as well as a two-time honorable mention All-American on both the one and three-meter boards. Tomazich was a three-time NCAA qualifier, placed second and third on three and one-meter boards, respectively, her senior year. She held school records both events at the time. Tomazich was a Big East Scholar-Athlete and made Dean’s List and Athletic Director’s Honor Roll every semester.

Panther Award

Nick Mengerink (WRES) sits atop Pitt’s record board with the second most wins in a freshman season (34). Mengerink won the Freshman of the Year award for his performance. During his time with the Panthers, Mengerink had an undefeated dual season, capturing 18 wins, was a three-time NCAA qualifier, an All-American, won a EWL Conference Championship and competed in the conference championships three times.

Chantee Earl (T&F) finished her career holding school records in the 500, 800, and 1,000-meter sprints, as well as records for the 1,000-yard sprint and two relays. Earl was the 2000 NCAA Indoor Champion in the 800-meter sprint, a three-time indoor All-American and four-time outdoor All-American.

1999 WINNERS

Blue and Gold Award

Samantha Chabotar (S&D) was a distance-free style specialist. Her senior year, Chabotar recorded 14-first place finishes in the regular season and help the Big East’s best time in the 500-freestyle and best times in the 1,000 and 1,650-freestyle. Prior to her senior year, Chabotar placed in the top-three at the conference championships three times. In the classroom, Chabotar was a four-time Dean’s List student, Big East Academic All-Star, Bell Atlantic Scholar and All-Academic Honorable Mention.

Adam Kotkiewicz (S&D) led the team in the 100-yard individual medley relay is senior year, holding the event’s best time of 1:53.24. He also had a number of top performances in the 100-IM throughout his time at Pitt. He also helped lead Pitt’s men’s swim team claim two Big East Championships. In the classroom, Kotkiewicz was an Athletic Director Honor Roll student and was a recipient of the Big East/Target Scholar-Athlete Award.

Panther Award

Trecia-Kaye Smith (T&F) was a five-time NCAA Track and Field champion. While she was at Pitt, Smith earned 11 All-American citations, becoming one of the top multi-event athletes in the country. She set the national collegiate record in the outdoor triple jump and was a 1998 finalist for the Honda Award, presented annually to the nation’s top women’s track and field athlete. She played a key role in the Panther’s third-place finish at the NCAA Outdoor Championship in 1998, Pitt’s highest finish ever in that event. Smith was also a recipient of the Big East/Target Scholar-Athlete Award.

Vonteego Cummings (MBB) was one of the top all-around Big East talents during his time at Pitt. He was member of the All-Big East team multiple times, entered his senior season as a preseason All-America candidate, and was one of 25 players considered for the John R. Wooden Player of the Year Award. He finished his career at Pitt with 1,581 points, which ranked 15 all time at the time.

1998 WINNERS

Blue and Gold Award

Erin Bissell (S&D) was a top competitor in the breaststroke and individual medley. As a junior, Bissell had Pitt’s top 100-breaststroke time. Bissell set a West Virginia Pool record in the 200-breaststroke and swam a Pitt record setting time in the same event her sophomore year. Bissell earned Dean’s List every semester at Pitt and won the Howard Hughes Summer Research Fellowship in 1996.

John Withrow (WRES) was a three-time All American, three-time NCAA qualifier and three-time conference championship participant while at Pitt. Withrow ranked seventh in most wins in Pitt wrestling history with 122 upon finishing his career. In the classroom, he was selected to the 1997-98 GTE Academic All-America Third Team and was a National Wrestling Coaches Association All-Academic First team honoree. He was inducted into the EWL Hall of Fame in 2008.

Panther Award

Joetta Purter (T&F) recorded three of Pitt’s best indoor times in the 200-intermediate hurdles, 400-meters and 500-meters her senior season. She is a part of the Pitt record breaking sprint hurdle 4x55 team and distance medley relay team.

Mark Bodo (WRES) was a three-time All American, three-time NCAA qualifier and four-time conference championship participant. He ranked fifth on Pitt’s lists for most wins by a sophomore at the time with and finished his career with 106 victories. Bodo was inducted into the EWL Hall of Fame in 2008.

Pete Gonzalez (FB) was an All-Big East Second Team selection as a quarterback. He was a team captain for the Panthers and threw an 89-yard touchdown pass for Pitt’s only touchdown in the 1997 Liberty Bowl.

1997 WINNERS

Blue and Gold Award

Stephanie Dufresne (VB) finished her career ranked ninth in career hitting percentage with a .292 percent and fourth in assists with 3,931. She also ranked 10th in single-match records for block assists at the time. While at Pitt, Dufresne was a two-time AVCA All-District I team member and earned All-Big East Second Team honors.

Bryan Matusic (WRES) was a four-time All American and a two-time conference championship participant and was a finalist in 1995. Matusic went on to earn a medical degree from LECOM and became an Anesthesiologist. He was inducted into the Washington-Greene County chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame in 2013.

Panther Award

Angie Martin (T&F) is a two-time Indoor All-American in the 800-meter. She won the award in 1996 and 1998.

Nate Cochran (FB) was an All-Big East First and Second team selection during his time at Pitt.

John Soulakis (S&D) was Pitt’s top diver entering his senior year. He was a three-time NCAA qualifier and a top diver in the Big East, coming in second place in the one and three-meter diving events at the Big East Championships his junior year. He was an All-America Honorable Mention.

1996 WINNERS

Blue and Gold Award

Chris Perry (S&D) was a Big East finalist in the 200-breaststroke and 100-individual medley each of his four seasons at Pitt and was a four-time Bell Atlantic Scholar-Athlete. Perry also made the Dean’s List every semester at Pitt. Jill Fletcher (SWIM) was a senior tri-captain for the Panthers. She was also a four-year member of the Bell Atlantic Scholar-Athlete team.

Najuma Fletcher (T&F) is one of Pitt’s most accomplished student-athletes. Fletcher is a 13-time All-American, 15-time Big East Champion and two-time NCAA Indoor Track and Field National Champion. She was also the 1996 USCTA Female Track Division I Athlete of the Year and 1996 Big East Outstanding Field Performer.

Panther Award

J.J. Fasnacht (WRES) was a three-time NCAA qualifier, two-time Eastern Wrestling Champion and a 1995 All-American. He finished his career third on Pitt’s all-time wrestling victories list with 111 career wins.

Tom Tumutly (FB) is credited with spearheading Pitt’s defense during his time as a Panther. He finished his career as Pitt’s third all-time tackler with 413 total tackles.

Najuma Fletcher (T&F) is one of Pitt’s most accomplished student-athletes. Fletcher is a 13-time All-American, 15-time Big East Champion and two-time NCAA Indoor Track and Field national champion. She was also the 1996 USCTA Female Track Division I Athlete of the Year and 1996 Big East Outstanding Field Performer.

1995 WINNERS

Blue and Gold Award

Matt Brady (S&D) was the only Panther to qualify for the NCAA Championships his junior year. He competed in the backstroke and individual medleys, in which he held seven school records individual school records upon finishing his career. Brady was also a key component in two record-breaking relay teams. He had six first place finishes at the 1992 Big East Championships, a Big East record at the time. Out of the pool, Brady was a three-time Big East All-Academic Team honoree, as well as making the Dean’s List. Brady was Pitt’s 1993 Homecoming King.

Staci Suggs (T&F) was a member of Pitt’s record breaking 4x100 hurdle relay team at the time of her graduation.

Panther Award

Ruben Brown (FB) was an All-Big East First Team selection and a two-time All-Big East Second Team selection, one of which was unanimous. He was a team captain for the Panthers, was a first team All-American and earned a spot in the East-West Shrine Game and the Blue Gray All-Star Classic.

Carol Morton (WBB), known for her defensive play, sat atop of Pitt women’s basketball history with the most career steals (290) and the most steals in a single season (99) upon completing her career. She also tied for second most steals in a single game with nine and ranks second in most assists in a single season (184) while playing for the Panthers. The Big East recognized Morton for her play her senior year, giving her second team All-Big East honors.

1994 WINNERS

Blue and Gold Award

Doug Whaley (FB) was a two-time Big East All-Academic football team member and a team captain during his time as a Panther.

Jennifer Burns (S&D) swam freestyle and backstroke during her time at Pitt. The swimmer was often recognized for her academic achievements as well as her athletic achievements.

Panther Award

Genaro Severino (GYM) was the team’s top all around competitor during his time as a Panther. His junior year, Severino placed fourth at NCAAs on the vault to become Pitt’s second All-American in men’s gymnastics. He also earned All-East honors in vaulting and All-Conference honors in all-around, rings and vault. He set school records on rings and in the all-around.

Ann Marie Lucanie (VB) is one of the most decorated players in Panther volleyball history. Lucanie ranked second in Pitt history in career kills (1,815), fourth in attempts (4,085), seventh in hitting percentage (.308), fourth in aces (148) and sixth in digs (1,480) at the time of her graduation. She also held the single match record for most kills (37) and is second in single season service aces (59) at the time. While at Pitt, Lucanie was a three-time Big East Player of the Year, Big East Freshman of the Year, All-American Second Team, AVCA All-Mideast Region First Team, three-time AVCA All-Region honoree, two-time All-Big East honoree, first team All-Big East member and helped lead the Panthers to three regular season and Big East Tournament championships.

Jonna Huemrich (WBB) earned All-American and Big East Rookie of the Year honors during her time at Pitt. She was also a two member of the All-Big East First Team and made the All-Big East Second Team once. Huemrich sat seventh on the all-time scoring list with 1,807 career points upon finishing her career. While with the Panthers, she averaged 15.6 points per game in 116 games. She finished her career with 954 rebounds.

1993 WINNERS

Blue and Gold Award

Don Boyd (S&D) was a member of the Pitt men’s swim team that won the Panthers’ 10th consecutive Big East Championship in 1993. Boyd played a large role in the Panthers’ continued success, qualifying for the NCAA Championships at the meet. Throughout his time at Pitt, Boyd won numerous Big East titles, including back-to-back titles in the breaststroke. He also held school, pool and meet records in the 100- and 200-yard breaststroke upon his graduation. He finished eighth at the Olympic trials.

Mary Allison Williams (T&F) is a three-time outdoor All-American. One honor was for her role in the 4x400-meter relay. The other two honors came from William’s performance in the 100-meter hurdles. In addition to her All-American honors, Williams held Pitt records in the 50-yard hurdles, 55-meter hurdles, 100-meter hurdles and the 4x100-meter relay upon finishing her career.

Panther Award

Alex Van Pelt (FB) was a two-time captain and a Big East Second Team selection. While at Pitt, Van Pelt played in the Blue Gray All-Star Classic, the East West Shrine Game, the Japan Bowl and was the John Hancock Bowl MVP after throwing for 354 passing yards.

Ronise Crumpler (T&F) finished her career holding two records in Pitt’s history book -- one in the 55-meter sprint and one in the sprint medley relay. Crumpler is a two-time All-American, both honors came from her role on the 4x400-meter relay team.

1992 WINNERS

Blue and Gold Award

Kyle Macbeth (GYM) earned All-Conference honors at 1991 ECAC Championships, finishing second on high bars. He finished first in vault at the 1990 Shenandoah Valley Invitational and first in pommel horse at the 1990 Great Lakes Championships. In the classroom, MacBeth was a Dean’s List and Athletic Director’s Honor Roll student multiple times.

Perry Miller (WRES) ranked sixth in single seasons falls in Panthers’ wrestling history upon his graduation. While at Pitt, Miller earned All-American honors, was a two-time NCAA qualifier and conference championship participant.

Dee MacAulay (VB) ranked fourth in single match solo blocks (5), fifth in single match block assists (11) and fifth in total blocks in a single match (12) for Pitt at the time of her graduation. While playing for the Panthers, MacAulay made the AVCA All-Mideast Region Third Team twice and was on three Big East Tournament championship teams.

Panther Award

Sean Miller (MBB) led Pitt to an NCAA Tournament appearance every year he led the team as point guard. Miller became only the second player in Panthers’ history to hit the 500 assists mark his junior year. Miller ranked second on Pitt’s all-time assists list with 744 and held the record for most assists in a single season by a freshman and sophomore at the time of this career ending with the Panthers. He also led Pitt in all-time free throw percentage, shooting .85 percent from the line at that time. He finished his career with 1,282 points. In addition to his work on the court, Miller was very active in his community being heavily involved with the Special Olympics and acting as a counselor at youth basketball camps.

Laura-Lee Sullivan (S&D) won four Big East Individual Champions, including three in 1989. She won gold two championships in the 100-breast and one each in the 200-breast and 200-individual medley. Sullivan was also a member of three Pitt relay Big East championships teams.

1991 WINNERS

Blue and Gold Award

Eric Holzworth (FB) was a team captain at Pitt.

Louis Riddick (FB) was a two-time Academic All-American and team captain. He also earned a spot to play in the East-West Shrine game and the Blue-Gray All-Star Classic.

Clarissa Dudley (T&F) held two records at Pitt, one in the shuttle relay and one in the sprint medley relay upon graduating. Dudley earned All-American honors for her role in the 4x400-meter relay.

Jenelle Lantagne (VB) was the Big East Player of the year in 1990, the same year she led Pitt to a Big East Tournament Championship and regular season championship. Lantagne was an AVCA All-Mideast Region First Team member as well as receiving All-Big East honors. She was also a part of the 1989 Big East Tournament championship team.

Panther Award

Keisha Demas (T&F) finished her career holding records in the sprint medley relay and 400-meter sprint. Demas is a five time All-American, three of those five honors came in the 400-meter. She earned All-American honors once in the indoor 400-meter and twice in the outdoor 400-meter. Her other two awards came from the outdoor 4x400-meter relay.

Darelle Porter (MBB) was a small forward at Pitt but his junior year injury forced him into the point guard role, where he excelled. Porter led the Big East and Panthers in assists, set a Pitt single-season record for assists and moved into first place on the Panther’s all time assists list at the time. Porter was known as an exceptional athlete and was thought to be able to play any position on the court. He finished his career with 1,007 points and 617 assists, which ranked fifth all-time in Pitt history. Porter led Pitt in assists average with 7.9 at the time as well.

Brian Shorter (MBB) was one of the top offensive players in the country. Going into his senior year Shorter was a pre-season All-America choice and he was ranked the third-best power forward in the country. His game was described as an impressive blend of finesse and power. Shorter finished his career at Pitt with 1,633 points, which ranked 14th all-time at the time. He also notched 31 games with double-doubles and 33 double-figure rebounding games.

1990 WINNERS

Blue and Gold Award

Alan Utter (WRES) finished his career ranking fourth in most wins by a senior in Pitt history with 33. While at Pitt, Utter was a EWL Conference Champion in the 134-pound class, a three-time NCAA qualifier and conference championship participant and recorded an undefeated dual season.

Jennifer Shingler (WBB) was a member of the Big East All-Rookie Team her first year at Pitt. Shingler finished her career with the Panthers with 1,081 career points, averaging 10.0 points per game in 108 games. She ranked fifth in free throw percentage shooting .779 percent from the line at the time she graduated. She has 393 assists and 147 blocks in her career.

Panther Award

Mike Kozilna (S&D) won the Big East Outstanding Men’s Swimmer his senior year. The award came after Kozilna set two individual meet records, two relay meet records and one relay pool record.

Lorri Johnson (WBB) sits atop Pitt men and women’s basketball all-time scoring record with 2,312 career points. Johnson averaged 20.5 points per game in 113 games. She held the record for most points in a single game (45) and has the second highest scoring average in a season with 24.2 points at the time. While at Pitt, Johnson was an All-American, a Kodak All-District and made two appearances on the All-Big East First Team and one on the All-Big East Second Team. Johnson’s jersey was retired on Jan. 13, 2019, making her the first woman in Pitt athletics history to have her jersey retired.

1989 WINNERS

Blue and Gold Award

Mark Stepnoski (FB) was a National Football Foundation National Scholar-Athlete, a two-time Academic All-American and a first team consensus status All-American. While at Pitt, Stepnoski was a team captain and earned a spot to play in the East-West Shrine Game.

Dave Tanczos (FB), a tight-end, had three kick returns for 37 yards in his junior and senior seasons at Pitt.

Bonnie Kartzman (TEN) earned second team GTE Academic All-American Team honors her senior year.

Panther Award

Pat Santoro (WRES) is one of the most successful wrestlers in Pitt history. Santoro is Pitt’s only four-time All American; he is a four-time NCAA qualifier and conference championship participant. He won three conference championships in a row in the 142-pound class, and two national championships. Santoro was the EWL Outstanding tournament wrestler in 1989 and a two-time EWL Wrestler of the Year honoree. He ranks first in career wins (167), career falls (43), single season falls (18) and had the most wins by a sophomore, junior and senior at the time of his graduation. Santoro finished his career at Pitt with three undefeated dual seasons and the most career NCAA Tournament wins (20), at the time. He is a member of the EWL Hall of Fame.

Denise Frawley (VB) helped lead Pitt to two Big East Tournament Championships while she was a Panther. During that time, she was named to the AVCA Northeast Region team and was a three-time AVCA All-Region honoree.

1988 WINNERS

Blue and Gold Award

Chris Blair (S&D) earned the Big East Diver of the Year honor his senior season. He was also awarded the Big East post-graduate scholarship award after making the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll or High Honor Roll every semester but one. He qualified for the NCAA Championships on the one-meter board after placing second at the Big East Conference.

Noreen Coughlin (VB) was a part of the back-to-back Big East Tournament championship teams.

Panther Award

Charles Smith (MBB) was Pitt’s all-time leading scorer with 2,045 career points. Known for his clutch play at key moments of games and stellar leadership, he guided the Panthers to two Big East regular season titles: co-champions in 1986-87, then outright champions in 1987-88, the same year Smith was Big East Player of the Year. A two-time All-American and Freshman All-American, Smith was also honored by the league in 1985 as the Big East Rookie of the Year. Smith was the third pick of the 1988 NBA draft and spent 10 seasons in the league with the Los Angeles Clippers, New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs. Smith’s jersey was retired prior to his final home game at the Fitzgerald Field House on March 2, 1988.

Lee McRae (T&F) competed in track & field and football for the Panthers, but found more success in track & field. McRae was an NCAA Indoor Champion and world record holder in the 60-meter dash and won the NCAA Outdoor Championship in the 100-meter dash. He earned All-America Honors and other numerous awards for his accomplishments.

Lisa Stewart (VB) helped lead Pitt to two Big East Tournament Championships while she was a Panther. During that time, she was named to the AVCA Northeast Region team and was a two-time AVCA All-Region honoree.

Tricia Ney (S&D) won five individual Big East Diving Championships over her four years at Pitt. Ney won three championships on the 1-meter dive and two championships on the 3-meter dive.

1987 WINNERS

Blue and Gold Award

Tom Shaulinski (S&D) helped lead Pitt to a Big East Championship every year he was on the team, his senior season, Pitt won five championships in a row. Shaulinski came in first places in five events in his first five meets his senior year. He also finished second in the 200-yard freestyle at the Big East Championships.

Alisa Spector (GYM) is a three-time NCAA All-Region honoree.

Panther Award

John Congemi (FB) was a team captain and completed a school record 31 passes for 341 yards versus Ohio State in the 1984 Fiesta Bowl.

Curtis Aiken (MBB) was a four-year letter winner for Pitt. Aikens ranks among school all-time career scoring leaders with 1,200 career points. He was a key recruit who helped pave the way for Pitt’s entry into the Big East. Aikens was the senior leader on Pitt’s 1987-88 co-Big East regular season championship team that finished 25-8 overall and 12-4 in league play. He is now on the Pitt Basketball broadcast team.

Sue Hickman (S&D) was a four-time All-American and an eight-time Big East champion in the 50 and 100-yard freestyle. As one of the best and most decorated swimmers in Pitt history, Hickman led the Panthers to a Big East Championship her senior year.

1986 WINNERS

Blue and Gold Award

Robert Schilken (FB) started at noseguard for a season at Pitt and helped contribute to 25 wins in his career. After his football career was over, he went on to earn his medical degree and become an orthopedic surgeon with Allegheny Health Network. Schilken acted as the doctor for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Bethel Park and Seton LaSalle high school athletic teams.

Judy Young (VB) helped lead Pitt to two Big East Tournament Championships.

Panther Award

Kristy Pieters (GYM) an NCAA All-Region team member.

Kyle Nellis (WRES) competed in two conference championships where he placed second and third. He was also an NCAA qualifier and earned All-American honors.

Mark Klafter (GYM) set a record in the all-around competition as a freshman and a floor record as a sophomore. His junior year, Klafter earned a big to the NCAA Championships in all-around and floor exercise, where he finished 22nd. After college, Klafter was accepted to New England School of Medicine in hopes of becoming a doctor.

1985 WINNERS

Blue and Gold Award

Ed Miller (GYM) was a letter winner every season during his time at Pitt. He also made Dean’s list ever semester and was on the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll numerous times. Miller was known for competing on the rings.

Pat Belcher (VB) helped lead Pitt to two Big East Tournament Championships.

Panther Award

Bill Fralic (FB) was a 1983 and 1984 All-American. He finished the 1983 season eighth in Heisman voting, the 1984 season sixth in voting and was inducted into the National College Football Hall of Fame in 1998. After his career at Pitt, Fralic was drafted in the first round of the 1985 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons (2nd overall). He made the 1985 NFL All-Rookie Team and was a four-time Pro Bowl selection (1986-89) and two-time All-Pro honoree (1986-87). Fralic played 116 games with the Atlanta Falcons and 16 games with the Detroit Lions. After the NFL he served as a color commentator for the Atlanta Falcons before moving into the same position with Pitt. Fralic’s jersey was retired at halftime of his final home game in 1984.

Jennifer Bruce (WBB) ranked second in Pitt women’s basketball history with 2,295 career points and most points in a single season with 681 at the time of her career ending. Bruce held the record for highest scoring average in a single season, averaging 24.3 points per game at the time. While at Pitt, Bruce was an All-American, Kodak All-District, Big East Player of the Year and a two-time All-Big East First Team selection.

Sue Heon (S&D), a former Olympian and three-time All American, led Pitt’s women’s swim team to a first place finish at the Big East Championships in 1985 where she was named the Women’s Outstanding Swimmer. Heon took home four individual first place titles at the Championships. She also helped lead the Panthers to an undefeated season her senior year, Pitt’s first since 1976.

1984 WINNERS

Blue and Gold Award

Clyde Vaughan (MBB) was referred to as “one of the top small players in the country” during his time at Pitt. Vaughan led the Big East in scoring and was third in rebounding his junior year. He was known for his outside shooting touch, but was also effective underneath. Vaughan ranked second on Pitt’s all-time scoring list at the time with 2,033 points. He was only one of two players to have scored over 2,000 career points and ranked fifth in all time rebounds with 922 by the end of his career.

Lisa Shirk (GYM) was a two-time All-American and Pitt’s first gymnast to win a national championship. She placed first in the uneven bars in 1982. Her first year, Shirk was named team MVP after breaking Pitt’s scoring records and being ranked No. 1 in the nation. In the classroom, Shirk earned the Athletic Director’s High Honors numerous times.

Panther Award

Tom Flynn (FB) was a team captain and earned a spot to play in the East West Shrine Game and senior bowl. He recovered a fumble in the first play of the 1980 Gator Bowl that led to a Pitt touchdown.

Karen Martin (GYM) was a two-time qualifier for the All-East team, placing in the top six in five events in those years. Her senior year, Martin was a key contributor, competing at the NCAA Championships and earning Senior Gymnast of the Year honors at the Northeastern regional gymnastics finals. Martin started in the all-around in every meet from her sophomore to senior year. In the classroom, Martin was an Athletic Director’s High Honor Roll selection three times.

1983 WINNERS

Blue and Gold Award

J.C. Pelusi (FB) was a two-time Big East All-Academic team member and an Academic All-American. While at Pitt, Pelusi competed in the Hula Bowl and Japan Bowl. He was a team captain.

Jan Ujevich (S&D) was a three-time All-American honoree during her time at Pitt, competing in the individual medley, breaststroke and freestyle. Her senior year, Ujevich won the 50-yard freestyle, 100-yard freestyle and 200-yard breaststroke at the Big East Championships and contributed to other top finishing relays. She won five individual races at the Championships. Ujevich was an NCAA qualifier and named the Outstanding Swimmer at the 1983 Big East Championships.

Panther Award

Rob Fada (FB) was a two-time Academic All-American and played in the East-West Shrine Game.

Diane Zack (VB) helped lead Pitt to a Big East Tournament Championship and made an appearance in the NCAA Tournament. That year, Zack earned a spot on the All-Big East First Team.

1982 WINNERS

Blue and Gold Award

Al Adelmann (MSOC) was a four-year starter and two-year captain of the Pit soccer team. He led the Panther offensive attack as a midfielder. His senior year, Adelmann had five goals and five assists. He also holds the distinction of never having missed a penalty kick in his collegiate career. Adelmann was just as successful in the classroom, receiving numerous academic honor in mechanical engineering.

Amy Jackson (S&D) was a four-year All-American, becoming just the fifth athlete in Pitt sports to earn All-American honors all four years. In her senior year, Jackson obtained All-American status in seven events, making her an All-American in 20 events during her four-year career, more than any Pitt swimmer at the time.

Panther Award

Sal Sunseri (FB) entered the national limelight in 1981 and was one of the finest leaders to ever perform in a Pitt football uniform. Sunseri started his career at Pitt as a walk-on, non-scholarship athlete and ended his career as a co-captain of the nationally No. 1 ranked defensive team. Sunseri Earned first team Associated Press and Kodak All-American honors.

Carol Dugan (WBB) was a two-year co-captain of the Pitt women’s basketball team. She was a dedicated team leader and a driving force behind the success of the women’s basketball teams during her career. She was one of Pitt’s top defensive players, while averaging 10.1 points per game on offense. Dugan was a two-year starter for the Panthers and was the embodiment of the team concept of basketball.

1981 WINNERS

Blue and Gold Award

Stuart Swanson (S&D) was a standout swimmer for Pitt from 1977 to 1981, earning two All-American honors in the 200-yard backstroke and securing four Eastern championships in both the 100-yard and 200-yard backstroke events. His exceptional performances contributed to Pitt’s impressive 34-2 dual-meet record during his tenure and earned him a spot as an Olympic Trials qualifier in the 100 and 200-meter backstroke in 1980. A key member of the three-time Eastern champion 400-yard medley relay team, Swanson also excelled on the USA National Team, winning four gold medals in the 100 and 200-meter backstroke and the 400-meter medley relay.

Myra Bachuchin (GYM) was a standout gymnast who competed for the Pitt Gymnastics team from 1978 to 1981. During her career, she earned All-East honors in both 1978 and 1979 and was named a Gymnast Magazine All-American in 1978. As a key member of the 1979 team, she helped Pitt achieve a ninth-place finish nationally.

Panther Award

Hugh Green (FB) is widely considered the most devastating defensive college football player ever. From 1977-80, he collected a Pitt-record 49 sacks, a mark that still stands today. Green was a three-time first team All-American. As a senior in 1980 he was the recipient of the prestigious Rotary Lombardi Award, Maxwell Award and Walter Camp Award. Green finished second in the 1980 Heisman Trophy balloting, an unprecedented finish for a purely defensive player. Incredibly, he was named to Pitt's All-Time Football Team after just his sophomore year. Green's play helped lead the Panthers to a four-year record of 39-8-1. Pitt had three Top 10 finishes during his career.

Suzanne Pulley (S&D) was a six-time All-American during her Pitt career from 1978-81. She earned those accolades as part of the Panthers' 400 free relay (three times), 200 free relay, 800 free relay and 200 medley relay. She became just the second women's swimmer at Pitt to earn All-America status in each of her four collegiate seasons (joining fellow Pitt Hall of Famer Kathy Stetler).Pulley-Klacik also was the 1979 Eastern champion in the 100 individual medley. She earned All-East in 1979, 1980 and 1981.

1980 WINNERS

Blue and Gold Award

Thomas Libenguth (TEN) was team captain and voted the team’s most valuable player in 1979.

Alison Hoburg (GYM) was a strong all-around performer who coaches complimented for her beautiful technique. Her first year, Hoburg earned the Pennsylvania Collegiate Championship, which helped in the all-around title.

Panther Award

Jeff Pelusi (FB) was a Panthers captain and competed in the Hula Bowl.

Cindy Chambers (VB) helped lead Pitt to a 41-14 record as a senior. Her first year, Chambers was named team MVP. While at Pitt, she tried out for the USA East Team. Chambers made the team and trained with them.

1979 WINNERS

Blue and Gold Award

Jeff Delaney (FB) was team captain, a National Football Foundation National Scholar-Athlete and a two-time Academic All-American. While at Pitt, Delaney competed in the Senior Bowl and Hula Bowl.

Marie Ribik (T&F) competed in the high jump, where she won numerous first places at different meets throughout her career. She also made an appearance at Nationals. Off the field, Ribik was Dean’s List student with the hopes of becoming a teacher.

Panther Award

Jeff Delaney (FB) was team captain, a National Football Foundation National Scholar-Athlete and a two-time Academic All-American. While at Pitt, Delaney competed in the Senior Bowl and Hula Bowl.

Kathy Stetler (S&D) was a four-time All-American and Olympic hopeful during her time at Pitt. Her junior year, Stetler was a top-six finisher at nationals, helping lead Pitt to a 13th place finish overall. As a senior, she qualified for Nationals in five events. Stetler won numerous individual events and relay events at meets in her four years at Pitt.

1978 WINNERS

Blue and Gold Award

Rande Stottlemyer (WRES) competed in two EWL conference championships, earning a first place finish in one of them. While at Pitt, Stottlemyer recorded an undefeated dual season, was a four-time NCAA qualifier and a three-time All American. After his wrestling career ended, Stottlemyer started coaching for the Panthers earning, five EWL Coach of the Year titles. He is a member of the EWL Hall of Fame.

Patricia Montgomery (VB) was a good all-around player but got notice for her defensive play as an outside hitter and blocker. She was a three-year captain for Pitt and earned team MVP honors in 1975. Her senior year, Montgomery helped lead the team to a 41-12 record and an AIAW Nationals appearance.

Panther Award

Matthew Cavanaugh (FB) was a team captain and the 1977 Sugar Bowl MVP. Cavanaugh also competed in the 1977 Gator Bowl, where he completed 23-of-36 passes, throwing for 387 yards and four touchdowns. While at Pitt, he was an All-American and earned a spot to play in the Senior Bowl.

Michelle Bressant (T&F) was the 1976 team MVP and team captain. She competed in the hurdles and sprints. Bressant was a four-year letter winner and an Eastern qualifier. In the classroom, she was a Dean’s List student.

1977 WINNERS

Blue and Gold Award

Gerard Demuro (S&D) was a 1977 All-American in the 1,650 Freestyle.

Katherine Hudgens (VB) attended the Olympic Development Camp and earned an invitation to try-out for the USA East Volleyball Team during her time at Pitt. She earned a spot on the Dean’s List multiple times, as she worked toward becoming an athletic trainer.

Panther Award

Anthony Dorsett (FB) led Pitt to a national championship, earned a Heisman Trophy and is now known as the greatest running back in the history of college football. In his four years at Pitt, Dorsett set or tied 18 collegiate rushing records, including the NCAA record for all-time career rushing yards with 6,082. Including bowl games, Dorsett finished with 6,526 yards. Dorsett was the first major college back to have four 1,000-yard seasons, the first freshman consensus All-American since 1944 and the first sophomore named to the Playboy All-American team. Dorsett led the nation in rushing yards his senior season finishing with 1,948 yards, averaging 215 yards per game. After Pitt, Dorsett competed in the NFL, finishing his career with 12,739 total yards, 91 touchdowns, was a three-time All-NFC Pick, four-time Pro Bowler, a 1981 All-Pro selection and a Super Bowl Champion. Dorsett was the first player to win a college national championship, Heisman and a Super Bowl. He is inducted in both the college and professional Hall of Fame. His No. 33 jersey was retired by Pitt during his senior year.

Diane Baumgartner (GYM) was nicknamed “Boom Boom” by her teammates because of her show-biz style. She competed on beam and floor but floor was her best event. She was known for her floor routines and her ability to excite and energize an audience.

1976 WINNERS

Blue and Gold Award

Thomas Richards (MBB) was an outside shooter and four-year starter at Pitt. Richards was a known leader of the team both his sophomore and junior year. His instinctive decision-making ability and steadiness were two of his greatest assets.

Sheila A. Barber (GYM) competed in all but one event for the Panthers. She was top-three for the Panthers on beam and competed on vault and bars.

Panther Award

Karl Farmer (FB, T&F) transferred to Pitt after attending Los Angeles Southwest College. Farmer was a wide receiver for the Panthers and was drafted in the seventh round of the 1976 NFL Draft. He went on to play three years in the NFL for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Atlanta Falcons.

Fran Baskin (TEN) was a member of the inaugural women’s tennis team. She helped lead Pitt tennis to an undefeated season her senior year, competing in both singles and doubles. She was known for her leadership, always giving her all and never complaining, no matter what position or who she was playing.

1975 WINNERS

Blue and Gold Award

Peter Martorelli (BASE) finished his career at Pitt with a .497 on-base percentage, which ranked fourth all-time for the Panthers at the time. Martorelli also tied for third highest on-base percentage in a single season with .581 in 1974 and ranked 19th in Pitt history with a .342 career batting average upon his graduation.

Mary E. Klobchar (WBB) led the team in scoring her senior year with 216 points, averaging 13.5 points-per-game.

Panther Award

Kirk Bruce (MBB) was a solid player in all phases of the game. He was considered the most well rounded player on the Pitt team of which he was a co-captain. Bruce was known for his jumping abilities and was able to utilize it on both sides of the ball. He was a great shooter versus zone defenses, thanks in part to his jump shot. Kirk was selected to the All-City team by the Pittsburgh Press and Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He was also named outstanding player in the tristate area by Pittsburgh Basketball Writers.

Bruce Murphy (FB) finished his career at Pitt with 91 rushing attempts and 530 yards. He also recorded 48 receptions and 764 yards, averaging 15.9 yards per reception. He also had four receiving touchdowns and 1,294 total yards.

Mary E. Heretick (S&D) was a letter winner in the 1975-76 season. Heretick was the first female to win the Panther Award.

1974 WINNERS

Blue and Gold Award

David Blandino (FB) was a National Football Foundation National Scholar-Athlete.

Panther Award

William Knight (MBB) was considered the finest all-around basketball player in Pitt history. In three seasons, Knight scored 1,731 career points and had a career scoring average of 22.2 points per game, second only to Don Hennon at the time. Knight led the 1974 Panthers to the NCAA Eastern Regional Finals and earned All-America honors. He went on to have an 11-year All-Pro career in both the ABA and NBA. His No. 34 jersey was retired on Feb. 20, 1989.

1973 WINNERS

Blue and Gold Award

Craig Tritch (WRES) was a four-time NCAA qualifier and EIWA Conference Champion in the 190-pound weight class.

Panther Award

Joseph Luxbacher (MSOC) finished his senior season at Pitt with 12 goals, including two-game winners, five assists and 29 total points. He also earned a spot on the Western Pennsylvania Intercollegiate Soccer Conference first team and a member of the All-PA, N.J, Del, soccer team. After his time at Pitt, Luxbacher went pro, joining the Philadelphia Atoms of the North American Soccer League as a forward.

1972 WINNERS

Blue and Gold Award

Kent Scott (MBB) was known as the most prolific shooter at Pitt since All-American Don Hennon. He led the team in scoring his junior year with 388 points and was Pitt’s top scorer in nine games. He also led the team in foul shot percentage, shooting 83 percent from the line. Scott was known for running his defender into a pick and getting an open jump shot, which was said to be deadly from anywhere within 25 feet. His sophomore year, Scott shot 51.7 percent, the best ever for a Panther player. He was also named to the Dean’s List three times with a GPA of 3.27.

Panther Award

Ralph Cindrich (FB, WR) competed in football and wrestling for the Panthers. As a wrestler, Cindrich was an EIWA Conference Champion, recorded an undefeated dual season, earned All-American honors and was a NCAA qualifier. On the football field, Cindrich competed in the North-South Game, a postseason All-Star game, as a linebacker.

1971 WINNERS

Blue and Gold Award

William Downes (MBB) was known for his ability to be used as a starter or a sixth man. Downes was able to come off the bench and make an important steal or basket when needed. He played tough defense and added quickness and hustle to Pitt’s team. He was voted MVP his sophomore year after scoring 114 points and playing in 24 games.

Panther Award

P. Jerry Richey (XC, T&F) was a member of the Pitt distance medley relay team that set a world record at the Delaware Invitational Track and Field Meet. The team ran the relay in 9:39.7. Richey often placed at the NCAA Championships and earned multiple All-American awards. His 4:03 mile helped Pitt’s relay teams notch National Championships.

The Varsity Walk