Mariota Leads Field Of Winners At Inaugural O Show
by Rob Moseley
Editor, GoDucks.com
Marcus Mariota's efforts with the Oregon football team drew the plaudits of national media in the form of the Heisman Trophy in December, and he was recognized by his fellow UO student-athletes Monday at the athletic department's inaugural O Show.
Mariota, the No. 2 pick in the NFL draft earlier this month, was named Oregon's best male athlete in a vote of his peers and UO administrators, and the football squad won the award for best men's team. In addition, Mariota earned the Emerald Athletic Award, given to a senior male on the basis of scholarship, service and leadership along with athletic ability; and his Heisman acceptance speech was voted the best moment of the year.
Mariota was in Tennessee working out with his new team, the Titans, and couldn't attend Monday's show but submitted video acceptance speeches.
"This is a special award," Mariota said in the video played following the best male athlete award announcement. "I wouldn't be here without the support of my family, my teammates and the community of Eugene. … I look forward to hopefully coming back and spending time in Eugene. I had so many special memories and special moments there. It's really become like a second home to me."
Jenna Prandini, who won the long jump and scored in two other events at this year's NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships, was named best female athlete. The Jackson Athletic Award, given to a senior female on the basis of scholarship, service and leadership along with athletic ability, went to Janie Takeda, who this season set UO career records in runs, hits and stolen bases.
NCAA cross country and indoor mile champion Edward Cheserek received the Doyle Higdon Memorial Award, which goes to a distinguished sophomore. Third baseman Jenna Lilley, the softball team's leading hitter with a .448 average, was named freshman of the year.
Takeda and Lilley's softball team, which hosts an NCAA Regional beginning Thursday, was named best women's team. Dana Altman was named coach of the year after leading the UO men's basketball team back to the third round of the NCAA Tournament.
In one of the night's most emotional moments, a video tribute was played to honor the passing of former UO President Dave Frohnmayer, former UO athletics matriarch Margaret Casanova, former tennis player Alex Rovello — Monday's ceremony marked two years to the day since his passing — and acrobatics & tumbling student-athlete Lauren Jones, who passed away this winter in the middle of her freshman year.
Jones then was announced as the winner of the O Heroes Award for her community service. She participated in the Susan G. Komen "Race for the Cure," tree planting on Mount Pisgah, delivery of Thanksgiving baskets to needy families and National Girls and Women In Sports Day before tragically passing away over the winter.
"Just knowing she was chosen as the athlete who had the most impact on the the community has made our family extremely proud," Jones' mother, Dorian Sanders, said via video.
The award named for longtime UO administrator Herb Yamanaka, and awarded in a nod to an athlete's "Oregon Pride," went to lacrosse player Ali Scharkey. Not only is she one of her team's most dependable defenders, but Sharkey is a regular O Heroes participant and a leader on Oregon's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
The comeback player of the year award was shared by soccer player Caitlyn Wong, who returned to the field following a knee injury, and Danica Mercado, who resumed second base duties with the softball team following a lower leg injury.
The Jaqua Award, given by the athletic department's academic support staff, was shared by Tanguy Pepiot of track and field and Devon Frazer of lacrosse. Oregon's SAAC handed out "Above and Beyond" awards to athletic trainer Heather Halseth (staff) and College of Education instructor Jo Larson (faculty).
