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.

2017 -- Morgan Anderson (women’s basketball)

2016 -- None

2015 -- Riley Sweeney (hockey), Josh Wood (football)

2014 -- None

2013 -- None

2012 -- None

2011 -- Roy Britz (hockey equipment manager)

2010 -- Malcolm Gwilliam (hockey)

2009 -- Mike Van Wagner (hockey)

2008 -- Kirk Williams (football)

2007 -- Mike Batovanja (hockey)

2006 -- Sarah Magee (women’s basketball)

2005 -- Cheryl DePuydt (P.E. Dept. chair)

2004 -- Kelly Wesemann (women’s volleyball)

2003 -- Ethan Sklom (football)

2002 -- Heather Harden (women’s basketball)

2001 -- Ben Schaut (men’s cross country/track & field)

2000 -- Clara Goggins (women’s basketball)

1999 -- Kimberly Demos (women’s volleyball)

1998 -- Ben Wickstrom (football)

1997 -- Clara Goggins (women’s basketball)

1996 -- Kristan Schuster (women’s volleyball)

1995 -- Dawn Zarling (women’s basketball)

1994 -- None

1993 -- Dawn Zarling (women’s basketball)

1992 -- None

1991 -- None

1990 -- Ken Dorony (football)

1990 -- Tony Pappadakis (men’s basketball)

1989 -- Jim Iwanicki (football)

1988 -- Debbie Lowrie (women’s volleyball)

1987 -- Richard Novak (hockey)

1986 -- John Magill (football)

1985 -- Chris St. Louis (women’s track & field)

1984 -- Ron Zuke (hockey)

1983 -- None

1982 -- None

1981 -- John MacInnes (hockey)

1980 -- Gord Salt (hockey)

1979 -- Bob Tomasoski (football)

1978 -- Valerie Brunell (women’s tennis)

1977 -- Mike Ruecker (men’s basketball)

1976 -- Dave Joelson (hockey)

1975 -- Sam Mele (football)