Rock Chalk Choice Awards announces first batch of nominees
LAWRENCE, Kan.—Nominees for the True Blue, the Best Jayhawk in a Supporting Role and the Rock Chalk Moment of the Year awards were announced by the Rock Chalk Choice Awards committee on Thursday, Aug. 22. These are the first set of nominees that have been announced for the event taking place at the Lied Center on September 8.
The True Blue Award honors a student-athlete who demonstrates devotion to excellence in academics and athletics while advancing Kansas Athletics through participation in student organizations or community service projects. The award will be presented by current Kansas rower Heidi Burns and men’s track and field athlete George Letner.
This year’s nominees for the True Blue Award are:
- Hakeem Adeniji (football)
- Riley Cooney (women’s track & field/cross country)
- Nina Khmelnitckaia (tennis)
- Jenny Nusbaum (swimming & diving)
- Darius Releford (men’s track & field/cross country)
The nominees for Best Jayhawk in a Supporting Role not only give everything they have, day-in-and-day-out, but they have the ability to get the best out of their teammates, elevating the competition every day. The student-athletes nominated for this award demonstrate extraordinary sportsmanship, support and loyalty to teammates and Kansas Athletics. The award will be presented by current Jayhawk cross country runner Ben Butler and softball outfielder Brittany Jackson.
This year’s nominees for the Best Jayhawk in a Supporting Role are:
- Emily Bermel (softball)
- Haley Downey (swimming & diving)
- Rudy Karre (baseball)
- Grace Hagan (soccer)
- Nina Khmelnitckaia (tennis)
The Rock Chalk Moment of the Year is presented to the team that had the most defining moment of the 2018-19 season that led to greatness. Presenting the Award will be KU Athletic Director Jeff Long.
This year’s nominees for the Rock Chalk Moment of the Year are:
- Women’s Soccer’s double overtime win in the first round of the NCAA tournament
- Swimming and Diving’s Big 12 Championship performance
- Tennis’ Big 12 Tournament Championship
- Track and Field’s Bryce Hoppel winning the 800-meter Outdoor national championship
The winners for these along with the awards for the Crimson Climb Award, Jayhawker Award, Del Shankel Award, and Male and Female Athlete of the Year will be announced at the red-carpet event on September 8. Special student-athlete academic achievements and All-Americans will also be recognized throughout the ceremony.
Due to space limitations, the event is by invitation only and limited to athletic department staff, student-athletes, and selected KU faculty and dignitaries.
2019 Rock Chalk Choice Awards Nominees
True Blue Award
- Hakeem Adeniji (football)
- Riley Cooney (women’s track & field)
- Nina Khmelnitckaia (tennis)
- Jenny Nusbaum (swimming & diving)
- Darius Releford (men’s track & field)
Best Jayhawk in a Supporting Role
- Emily Bermel (softball)
- Haley Downey (swimming & diving)
- Rudy Karre (baseball)
- Grace Hagan (soccer)
- Nina Khmelnitckaia (tennis)
Rock Chalk Moment of the Year
- Women’s Soccer’s double overtime win in the first round of the NCAA Tournament
- Swimming and Diving’s Big 12 Championship performance
- Tennis’ Big 12 Tournament Championship
- Track & Field’s Bryce Hoppel winning the 800m Outdoor National Championship
Crimson Climb Award
- Announced August 29
Jayhawker Award
- Announced August 29
Del Shankel Award
- Announced August 29
Female Athlete of the Year
- Announced September 5
Male Athlete of the Year
- Announced September 5
