UC Davis gala honors the finest in Aggie athletics
Megan Ray, Brianna Weidler, Elijah Pepper, Lan Larison take top awards
Megan Ray, Brianna Weidler, Elijah Pepper and Lan Larison took home the top awards as UC Davis Athletics celebrated its student athletes with the annual Aggie Awards Sunday night.
This year’s celebration was held in-person for the first time in program history at the University Credit Union Center.
There were 12 awards presented, six from the athletic department and six voted on by the student-athletes themselves.
“Ever since we got through the pandemic, we have been working to increase attendance and participation within athletics,” said junior Student-Athlete Advisory Committee President Kayla Wolfe (equestrian).
“This year we decided to take a bit of a leap and make the Aggie Awards a more formal celebration for all our student athletes.
“Rocko had a vision to have a big formal celebration at the end of the year and we were able to pull it off thanks to all the help of the SAAC officers and the athletics staff. It was a great celebration and a great way to end the year.”
The UCU Center was transformed into a stunning awards venue, complete with a “blue carpet” for fit checks, a 360-selfie booth and a center stage large enough to showcase the many Aggie talents. The evening Included the reworking of a famous song by the men’s water polo team and a dance performance for the ages by the women’s soccer and lacrosse teams.
“Last night’s celebration at The Aggie Awards was a resounding success, highlighting the exceptional talents and achievements of our student-athletes this year,” said DeLuca.
“I am excited to see this event grow each year as our SAAC leaders continue to deliver an outstanding show. I would like to extend my gratitude to everyone who contributed to organizing the event. I can’t wait to see what our Aggies will accomplish next”
2024 AGGIE AWARDS
DEPARTMENT AWARDS
Sarah Sumpter Perseverance Award
The Sarah Sumpter Perseverance Award is in honor of Cal Aggie Athletics Hall of Famer Sarah Sumpter, and it is given to a current UC Davis student-athlete who has overcome a significant obstacle to return to varsity competition.
Sumpter herself overcame a brain tumor diagnosis in 2010 to post an exemplary career in the Blue & Gold in both cross country and track and field. On the eve of the 2010 cross country season, tragedy struck.
During a routine doctor's visit, she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. After successfully undergoing emergency surgery, and sitting out the 2010-11 season, Sumpter incredibly returned to action while continuing her chemotherapy.
In her final three seasons, she posted two runner-up finishes at the Big West cross country championships, won three Big West individual titles in the 5,000 and 10,000-meter races, and added a Big West Track Athlete of the Year award. Sumpter also advanced to the 2012 NCAA Outdoor Championships, where she posted a USTFCCCA All-American second-team finish. A year later, she competed at the USATF Outdoor Championships.
Tragically in 2015, while she was training for the New York City Marathon, Sumpter’s health quickly began to deteriorate and on Sept. 21 she passed away at the age of 25.
RECIPIENT – Alex Bobowski (Men’s Cross Country)
Almost a year ago, during his freshman year, Alex Bobowski was out on a run and felt some tingling in his legs. A few days later he was in the emergency room after losing feeling from the chest down. He ended up being unable to move his legs and walk for most of the summer while going through treatment and blood cleaning transfusions.
After working to bounce back, he’s now able to run up to 40 miles a week while working back up to be able to keep up with some of his teammates. His toughness throughout this difficult trial has been inspiring and it showcases the true spirit and memory of Sarah’s own mental strength. Much like Sarah, Alex has not allowed adversity to keep him from what he loves, and that’s running.
Marya Welch Award
The Marya Welch Award is an award bestowed to the women’s team with the highest GPA, celebrating the outstanding work done by the program in the classroom.
The award honors the remarkable legacy of Cal Aggie Athletics Hall of Famer Marya Welch, a true pioneer in women’s athletics. As a physical education instructor, coach and Dean of Women at UC Davis, Welch played a pivotal role in establishing women’s sports on campus during the 1950s. Her tireless efforts included founding intramural and extramural sports programs, coaching various teams and advocating for gender equity. In recognition of her far-reaching contributions, the award celebrates excellence, dedication and empowerment in women’s athletics.
RECIPIENT – Gymnastics (3.52 GPA)
Lysle Leach Award
The Lysle Leach Award is bestowed to the men’s team with the highest GPA, celebrating the outstanding work done by the program in the classroom.
A Cal Aggie Athletics Hall of Famer, inducted as a faculty athletics representative, Lysle Leach was one of the University's truly distinguished educators and scientists. As one of the first plant pathologists to be located at UC Davis (in 1929), he played an extremely important role in the development of the fledgling Department (then known as a division) of Plant Pathology.
In addition to his devotion to plant pathology, Professor Leach had a keen interest in student affairs and in the UC Davis athletic program. From 1941 to 1964 he served as faculty representative to the Far Western Conference and the NCAA. In this capacity he worked diligently to preserve the UC Davis philosophy that an athlete is a student first.
RECIPIENT – Men’s Cross Country (3.22 GPA)
W.P. Lindley Award
The W.P. Lindley Award celebrates the best of both worlds by naming the year’s outstanding Scholar Athlete. An award Aggies take pride in, being able to balance both the classroom and the field while excelling at both is why this award is sought after by all who have worn the Blue & Gold.
RECIPIENT – Megan Ray (Gymnastics)
Ray qualified for the NCAA women’s gymnastics regional for the third time as an individual event specialist. She was named Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Specialist of the Week and All-Conference in two different events. She was selected as the class captain and Aggie Pride Award winner for the 2024-25 season by her teammates, and also earned the Major Contribution award.
She is majoring in psychology and minoring in both education and spanish with a 3.89 cumulative GPA. Megan is also active on campus as an AGS ambassador and on the Captains Council. Ray is the VP of recruiting at Athlete to Athlete and the Social Media Director and Co-Communication Coordinator for the Dear Katie Podcast within the Take Back the Night Foundation, an organization that strives to end all forms of sexual violence.
Dr. Hubert Heitman Award
The Dr. Hubert Heitman Award is bestowed upon the Aggie Female Athlete of the Year.
A pioneer of research on the UC Davis campus for 32 years, Dr. Hubert Heitman, Jr., was elected to the Cal Aggie Hall of Fame in 1990 for good reason: his love for the Aggies.
Dr. Heitman believed strongly in the idea of the student-athlete who plays for enjoyment. Along with his wife, Helen, their support of women’s sports at UC Davis and beyond helped launch the growth seen today. He served on many committees, including as the vice president of the NCAA’s governing council, where he went to bat for women’s sports on many occasions.
RECIPIENT – Brianna Weidler (Cross Country/Track & Field)
Weidler set a conference and UC Davis record in the 5,000 meters on her way to a first place finish at the MPSF Indoor Championships. She set the indoor school record in the 5,000 meters and was named an NCAA All-American during cross country season, becoming the first female Aggie to ever accomplish this feat.
She set the school record for both the indoor and outdoor 5,000 meters during this academic year. And she finished the Indoor track season ranked 24th in the nation and won conference titles in the indoor 5,000 meters and 3,000 meters.
Weidler set a program record with her finish at the 2024 NCAA West Regionals and has now represented UC Davis for two straight years at NCAA Cross Country National Championships. Weidler posted a 31st overall finish, the best-ever finish by an Aggie at the national meet.
Colby E. “Babe” Slater Award
The Colby E. “Babe” Slater Award is bestowed upon the Aggie Male Athlete of the Year.
A native of California and a two-time Olympic gold medalist in rugby, Colby E. “Babe” Slater first set foot on the campus of UC Davis in 1914. Slater played basketball for the Blue & Gold and after he graduated in 1917, he served his country during World War I.
Slater then returned to rugby with Team USA where he was a member of the 1920 and 1924 national teams that would win back-to-back gold medals at the 1920 and 1924 Summer Olympics. His contributions to the sport of rugby lead to a pair of inductions into the US Rugby Hall of Fame.
And like a true Aggie, Slater would go on to become a farmer, where his Aggie Pride showed with each harvest.
RECIPIENTS – Elijah Pepper (Men’s Basketball) and Lan Larison (Football)
Elijah Pepper concluded his collegiate career as one of the most decorated athletes in UC Davis history. He became UC Davis' first men's basketball player to secure the league's Player of the Year Award since TJ Shorts in 2018 and this year became UC Davis’ all-time leading scorer and steals leader.
He helped lead his team to a 20-win season, a second-place finish in the regular season, and an appearance in the finals of the Big West Tournament championship. He was selected to play in the 2024 National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) - Reese's Division I All-Star Game, led the Big West in scoring by averaging 20.7 points per game, and was named a 2024 Lou Henson National Player of the Year finalist.
Despite missing three games due to injury, Lan Larison was named the 2023 Big Sky Offensive Player of the Year, finishing as the conference’s leading rusher. Larison collected a multitude of awards following his record-breaking campaign, receiving First Team All-America honors from FCS Football Central and All-America Third Team recognition from the Associated Press and Stats Perform.
Larison rushed for a conference-best 1,101 yards and 13 touchdowns and led the country by averaging 137.6 rushing yards per game. He was also the first Aggie since 2002 to post two 200-yard rushing games in the same season.
STUDENT-ATHLETE AWARDS
New Aggie of The Year
Presented to the student-athlete who provided positive contributions, spirit and went above and beyond for their program in their first season wearing the Blue & Gold.
RECIPIENT – Chelsea Johnson (Lacrosse)
Aggie Pride
For a student-athlete who models and exudes the most Aggie PRIDE, which stands for pride, resourceful, inclusive, determined and excellence. They demonstrate great involvement and spirit.
RECIPIENT – Brody Crouch (Men’s Water Polo)
Best Upset of the Year
RECIPIENT – Gymnastics
On senior night, in a dual meet against Illinois State and Alaska Anchorage, the Aggies lit up the stage. Finishing the meet in first place, with a score of 197.025, UC Davis set multiple school records, a conference record and established career and season bests.
Best Moment of the Year
Given for the most shocking, thrilling and exciting performance.
RECIPIENT – Ty Johnson (Men’s Basketball)
With a 16-point deficit already erased, UC Davis’ Ty Johnson looked to put the final touch on an historic comeback. As time ticked down, Johnson drove to the basket, took contact and put home a buzzer beating layup to knock off Pepperdine, 79-78, on Nov. 9 at the UCU Center.
Women’s Team of the Year
Presented to the women’s team that best demonstrated the most Aggie Pride with the most impressive season.
RECIPIENT – Equestrian
Men’s Team of the Year
Presented to the Men’s team that best demonstrated the most Aggie Pride with the most impressive season.
RECIPIENT – Men’s Basketball
(UC Davis Athletics contributed to this report)
Your descriptions of the song and dance made me wish they were included with this article. Nice article!