The College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) has announced the recipients of the Merle Chapman Leadership Award for the 2024-25 academic year. This annual award, named after former Millikin Athletics Director and CCIW’s second commissioner, Merle Chapman, recognizes student-athletes who exemplify loyalty, enthusiasm, leadership, sportsmanship, and a commitment to excellence in academics, athletics, and personal endeavors.
Each institution within the CCIW selects one male and one female student-athlete from their Student-Athlete Advisory Committee who participates in a CCIW-sponsored sport. The following individuals have been honored this year:
From Augustana College: Maitreyi Shrikhande in women’s tennis and Jack Sergeant in men’s lacrosse.
Carroll University selected Kenzie Blau for women’s soccer and Kevin Whittmon for football.
Carthage College recognized Grace Norman in women’s swimming & diving and Bryce Lowe in football.
Elmhurst University awarded Emily Mikos for women’s track & field and Alan Lopez-Paredes for men’s soccer.
Illinois Wesleyan University chose Lauren Huber in women’s basketball and Quinn Clifford in men’s golf.
Millikin University honored Kyleigh Block for women’s basketball and Dejon Glaster for men’s wrestling.
North Central College acknowledged Hailey Poe in women’s triathlon and Cooper Lundal in men’s volleyball.
North Park University recognized Jereme Ombogo for his participation in both football and men’s track & field.
Lastly, Wheaton College selected Katherine Ashley for women’s soccer and Payton McClowry for baseball.
These awards highlight the dedication of student-athletes across various sports within the conference.
