Athletes honored at annual Ole’s awards ceremony

After months of competition across courts, fields and arenas, Augustana athletes came together on May 4 to celebrate the 2025–26 season at the annual Ole’s awards ceremony in Midco Arena.

For just one evening, uniforms were swapped for formalwear as student-athletes gathered together from across programs — greeting teammates, posing for photos and reflecting on the year before the ceremony began. Senior swimmer and photographer Peyton Bartsch ran a photo station where athletes could capture the moment with their teammates.

The arena floor was transformed into a banquet space complete with decorations, a large video screen and a full production setup. Senior defensive back DeMaris “Lefty” Williamson and junior baseball player Matt Brown brought energy as the event’s hosts.

As the night got underway, the Ole’s once again brought together athletes from every sport to toast their achievements and leadership and to celebrate the shared experiences that define   Augustana athletics.

The event’s history traces back to the COVID-19 pandemic, when Associate Athletic Director Kimberly Miller and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC)’s then-president and vice president — Erika Bute and Kait Asklund respectively — saw an opportunity to unify teams that had previously celebrated separately.

“Each team had their own individual banquet, but there was no collaboration,” Miller said. “So we came together and said, ‘Let’s just do this.’”

Since its first ceremony in 2022, the Ole’s has grown into a campus tradition that aims to connect programs. This year’s event, organized by SAAC Vice President and Ole’s chair senior Ellie Walker, reflected a collaborative effort behind the scenes.

“I was a lot better about delegating this year,” Walker said, “A lot of athletes from different sports helped out, and I think that made a big difference.”

Williamson and Brown opened the ceremony by recognizing All-Americans across all teams, setting the tone for a night that balanced major honors with lighter moments.

Among the top awards, Walker, a volleyball player, received the Outstanding Senior Award, while freshman wrestler Charlie Petit was named Rookie of the Year. Senior wrestler Max Ramberg and junior swimmer and diver Avery Lommel earned Male and Female Athlete of the Year honors, recognizing standout performances throughout the season.

When asked what the Ole’s meant to him, Ramberg emphasized the importance of team culture.

“We love our culture,” Ramberg said. “We live together, we train together and support each other. To be a wrestler at Augustana is everything to me.”

As the ceremony continued, the tone shifted to include the event’s signature anti-awards, highlighting personality and camaraderie across teams. Junior men’s tennis players Thomas Kano and Sebastian Garcia earned the Dynamic Duo award, while junior golfer Jimmy Mendel received the Look Good, Play Good award for his fashion efforts.

Recognition also extended beyond student-athletes. Froiland Science Complex custodian Yuly received the Marcia Entwisle Award for her kindness and dedication to campus, while men’s basketball coach Cody Schilling was named Coach of the Year. The dance team earned the All In award for its school spirit.

As the evening wound down, the focus shifted from awards to reflection. For many athletes, the Ole’s serves as a chance to look back on the relationships and memories built throughout the year.

Sophomore track and field athlete Layton Johnson said that for him, the ceremony highlights those connections.

“I'm going to remember hanging out with my teammates and having a good time together,” said Johnson. “It’s a full circle moment, looking back on the year.”

With another season complete, the Ole’s continues to bring Augustana athletes together — not only to celebrate success but to recognize the community formed across teams, seasons and shared experiences.