Major Awards
Raymond L. Smith Award
The Raymond L. Smith Award is given annually to the outstanding male and female senior student-athletes at Michigan Tech each year. Inaugurated in 1970 as the Outstanding Senior Athlete Award, this accolade has become the most prestigious among student-athletes at the University. In 1980, the Varsity Club renamed this award in honor of Dr. Raymond L. Smith, who served as president of Michigan Tech from 1965 until his retirement in 1979.
Terry Wilson Award
The Terry Wilson Award is presented annually to the outstanding freshmen male and female student-athletes at Michigan Tech. Established by Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Wilson in 1963, the award is given in memory of Terry Eugene Wilson, who was killed in an automobile accident near Munising, Mich., on December 14, 1962, while traveling home to Pontiac, Mich., for the Christmas holidays. Wilson, a sophomore in electrical engineering, was considered a versatile athlete, earning four varsity letters, two in football and one each in swimming and track.
Rick Webster “SISU” Award
The Rick Webster “SISU” Award is a special honor, bestowed upon a student-athlete or an individual associated with athletics at Michigan Tech, who has overcome adversity, exhibited courage through difficult situations, performed with pain/injury, or performed admirably after recovering from a severe injury or adverse situation. The word “SISU” comes from the Finnish language, meaning “guts,” and was exemplified through the perseverance of Rick Webster, who was paralyzed during the spring football game on April 4, 1974. Webster’s bravery and determination allowed him to complete his degree and successfully find employment despite his handicap. The Award is only awarded in a year when there is an individual who meets these special characteristics.
Ken Hamar Award
The Ken Hamar Award is given annually to a “true supporter” of the Michigan Tech athletic program by The Huskies Club. Initiated in 1974, the award is named after its first recipient, Ken Hamar, who, despite commitments to work and community, always found time to support the Huskies. This is well-documented by his attendance at nearly every athletic event when failing health confined him to a wheelchair. Hamar passed away in January of 1983, but his spirit, good humor, and love for Michigan Tech athletics will remain forever embodied in this award.