The Nominees Are: Emerald Award
by Rob Moseley
Editor, GoDucks.co
On Monday, May 11, the UO athletic department will host its O Show award night in Matthew Knight Arena, hosted by ESPN’s Neil Everett.
The awards to be handed out have long been considered distinguished accolades within the department, and this year the nominees and winners will be acknowledged on a more public stage. Nominations were made by UO student-athletes, and winners were selected by the student-athletes and athletic department staff.
Sponsored jointly by the UO Athletic Department and the Oregon Daily Emerald, the Emerald Award is presented annually to a UO male senior student-athlete on the basis of achievement in athletics, service, and scholarship.
And the nominees are …
JACK KARRAKER, baseball
Began his senior season in the prestigious role of weekend starter before being sidelined by an injury. In five starts, compiled a 1-1 record with a 1.29 ERA and allowed opposing hitters to bat just .208. Despite being inactive, remains a respected leader in Oregon's locker room and dugout. For O Heroes, he participated in the Thanksgiving basket collection for local families in need, and the sociology major managed a 2.53 GPA.
MARCUS MARIOTA, football
Set a new standard for what it means to be a UO student-athlete. Won the Heisman Trophy and led the Ducks to the College Football Playoff National Championship game, all along displaying a measure of class and humility that resonated throughout the nation. With all of that going on, he still maintained a regular presence as a volunteer at the local Boys & Girls Club, and kept up a 3.25 GPA in general science.
PARKER STINSON, track and field
Took advantage of his fifth year of eligibility to compete in indoor track and field, and provided a memorable finale at the NCAA Indoor championships. Scored for the Ducks' national title team in the 5,000 meters with a third-place finish, and narrowly missed scoring in the 3,000 with a gritty ninth-place finish. A philosophy major, he had a 2.99 GPA before turning professional after the indoor season.
DANIEL WINN, cross country/track and field
Represented the Ducks at the NCAA Championships in cross country before scoring at the NCAA Indoor meet with a sixth-place finish in the mile. More could be in store in the coming weeks as the Men of Oregon look ahead to the NCAA Outdoor championship meet next month. In the classroom, carries a 3.05 GPA in political science.
JONATHAN WOO, golf
Finished fourth at the Ka'anapali Collegiate Classic as the UO men enjoyed an undefeated fall season. Then was a key to the Ducks' late-season surge in the spring with four top-25 finishes over his last five events, entering next week's NCAA Regionals, including a tie for sixth at The Goodwin. Also participated in the Thanksgiving basket program for O Heroes, and has a 3.31 GPA in general social science.
Plan to attend or watch the O Show on Monday night to find out who wins!
