Note: The annual HOPEYs celebration of Hope College Athletics will be held on Monday, April 15, at 7 p.m. at DeVos Fieldhouse. The event is open to the public. Admission is free.
The Anchor Award is presented to a student-athlete who anchors the team, inspiring their teammates to train and perform at their best.
Keegan DeKuiper, Men's Soccer
Coach David Blahnik describes his junior goalkeeper as vital to the team because "Keegan is the ultimate teammate. Whether he is the star of the game or injured on the sideline you can always count on him to be a servant leader to his teammates and coaches to help in whatever way possible."
Ryan Howe, Football
Ryan is a senior on the football team. Coach Peter Stuursma describes his impact by saying, "Ryan Howe is the epitome of a "team first" guy. He cares so much about his teammates, the program, and Hope. Ryan led by an example of hard work and overcame adversity in injuries and never wavered from making us better. He is that guy and he is that good!!"
Silas Peterson, Men's Track and Field
Even individual sports need leaders to anchor down the team. Coach Kevin Cole recognizes the value of athletes like senior Silas Peterson. He says, "Silas is an incredible leader and loves Hope College. He is the embodiment of team spirit and makes everyone around him better in every way."
Devin Cheaney, Men's Basketball
Coach Greg Mitchell credits his team's success and the team leadership to the contributions of senior Devin Cheaney. "A championship season results from numerous contributing factors, perhaps the most significant is the all-important daily leadership that exists within the team. Devin Cheaney was pivotal in leading our team with his relentless work ethic in the weight room, his disciplined approach to taking care of his body and his ability to offer constant words of encouragement to his teammates. Guys look at him and listen to him with reverence because of how he LEADS & genuinely puts the team ahead of any personal interests."
Andrew Pickett, Baseball
A selfless example who Coach Stu Fritz relies on to lead, he describes Andrew, a senior on the baseball team, by saying "Andrew was voted as a captain in his Senior year. He has done an incredible job of balancing Hopes nursing major with being a student athlete. He is a servant leader who always puts the needs of others before his. He has been an absolute leader in the weight room by both leading by example and bringing others along with him. Our kids have a great deal of respect for who he is as a person and as a player."
Kyle Langdon, Men's Swimming and Diving
Coach Jake Taber understands the importance of a teammate like senior Kyle Langdon. He says, "Every team needs a glue guy and the most successful ones have a great one - the guy that is behind the scenes dynamically, providing the right environment at practice and competitions and holding others accountable to do the same. So much of our success this year can be attributed to things that you can't quantify. We wouldn't trade our glue guy for anyone - he's the best in the business. Period."
