For the second straight year, the Southern Oregon athletic department has honored opposing NAIA student-athletes with the Raider Rival Awards.
The honor is handed out to an opponent of each SOU program that has demonstrated sportsmanship and respect, as well as being an outstanding student-athlete. The awards were voted on by SOU student-athletes from the respective programs and the primary criteria is who our student-athletes would want as a teammate.
“We expect our programs to act and live the Champions of Character creed,” SOU Athletic Director
Matt Sayre said. “With that, we wanted to make sure that we honored those opponents that act the same way."
SOFTBALL - Ashleigh Larson, Oregon Tech. "She is a player that remains calm in pressure situations and shows nothing but class at all times.
WOMEN'S SOCCER - Brittany Orr, Concordia. "She's easily one of the best players in the conference and conducts herself well on the field, too. We've always thought she plays hard, but within the spirit of the game. She's also a gracious winner."
WRESTLING - Tyler Chang, Embry-Riddle. "A great kid. Works hard, great student and he beat the NCAA Division I Champion this year.
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL - Miranda Holenstein, Warner Pacific. "Miranda is not only a skilled basketball player, but she is a great person. Win or lose, she always exemplifies the champions of character qualities."
VOLLEYBALL - Sarah Harris, College of Idaho. "Sarah is a good person and a great teammate. She's also a phenomenal athlete."
MEN'S BASKETBALL - Greg Peters, Northwest. "Great kid and our whole team likes him. He's a competitor and the best big man in the conference."
XC/TRACK AND FIELD - Bryant Sentman, Oregon Tech. "Bryant is an incredible athlete and a great competitor. Not only is he an All-American in track, but plays on the OIT basketball team as well."
FOOTBALL - Chris Ware, Eastern Oregon. "Not only is Chris an excellent football player, but you can see by the way he acts on the field that he's a positive leader for that football team."
