Jostens Trophy finalists announced

Hartwick athletics photo

The finalists for the prestigious Jostens Trophy were announced today by members of the Rotary Club of Salem, Va. The club is responsible for the initial review of annual nominations and narrowed the pool to 10 men's and 10 women's finalists.

The Jostens Trophy is awarded to an outstanding NCAA Division III men’s and women’s basketball player who excels on the floor, in the classroom and in the community.

The Salem Rotary Club Jostens Trophy Committee employs a numerical rating to narrow the list of finalists so that the decision can be made on the most objective basis possible.

Last year, Carissa Verkaik of Calvin and Randolph's Colton Hunt took home the trophies.

Listed below are the finalists for the 2014 Jostens Trophy:

Men's finalists Women's finalists
Richie Bonney, Hobart Lexi Baltes, Illinois Wesleyan
Galen Holzhueter, Martin Luther Lianna Carrero, Albertus Magnus
Trevor Johnson, Nebraska Wesleyan Emily DeNoyer, Carroll
Dan Kornbaum, Augsburg Katelyn Fischer, Marymount
Gordon Lyons, Geneseo State Becky Hebert, Fredonia State
Dustin McConnell, Whitworth Maureen Hirt, Kenyon
Tyler Peters, Wheaton (Ill.) Cyndi Matsuoka, Vassar
Ryan Sheehan, Nichols Kimberly Takaoka, Chapman
Jared Suderley, Hartwick Jill VanEperen, Ripon
David Thompson, Case Western Reserve Marla Willard, Monmouth

Voters’ ballots are due by March 13 with the winning schools expected to be notified by March 14. The awards presentation is scheduled for Thursday, March 20 at the Salem Civic Center in conjunction with the NCAA Division III men's basketball Final Four in Salem, Va., on March 21-22.

The Jostens Trophy is a national award created by the Rotary Club of Salem, Va., to honor the most outstanding men's and women's NCAA Division III basketball players of the year. The award takes into account three vital parts: basketball ability, academic prowess and community service. The trophy models the Rotary International motto of "Service Above Self" by recognizing those who truly fit the ideal of the well-rounded NCAA Division III student-athlete. This year's class marks the 17th year the award has been presented.