TAMPA, Fla. — The Sun Conference announced its nominees for nine NAIA National Awards Day honors on Tuesday, as voted on by various advisory groups within the league, and the Ave Maria Gyrenes received five of the nominations.
The nominees include Chris Hermann for the A.O. Duer Award, Jonathan Effertz and Emily Rapacz for the Emil S. Liston Award, Joe Patterson for the Coach of Character award and the Men's Basketball team for the Team of Character award.
"We congratulate each of our nominees on their outstanding accomplishments," Sun Conference Commissioner Dustin Wilke commented. "These individuals and teams represent our conference with the class and character that embody both The Sun Conference and the NAIA. We extend our best wishes to each of them as they are considered for national recognition."
Hermann was selected as the conference's male nominee for the A.O. Duer Scholarship Award. A double major in Politics and Communications with a 3.97 GPA, he was also named the league's inaugural Scholar-Athlete of the Year. He is a multi-year team captain, NAIA national qualifier, and the 2024 Cross Country Champion of Character. Hermann also serves as Student Government President, leads the Fishers of Men faith household, and represents AMU nationally through the NAIA Association of Student-Athletes.
Effertz is the male nominee for the Emil S. Liston Award, recognized for his academic excellence, leadership, and character. A multi-time All-Conference and Academic All-Conference selection, Effertz was named AMU's Student-Athlete of the Year and received the Champions of Character Award. He founded a faith-based basketball household and has served as a three-year team captain. His full-time role as roommate and caregiver to a disabled student-assistant exemplifies his servant leadership, as stated by head coach Jamon Copeland.
Rapacz is the conference's female nominee for the Emil S. Liston Award. A four-year starter and team captain, Rapacz ranks in the program's top ten for rebounds and blocks. She holds a 3.93 GPA in biology, contributes to research, and is a Monaghan Founder Scholar—exemplifying leadership, discipline, and service, as noted in her nomination.
Patterson was named the conference's Coach of Character for his commitment to developing men of virtue through faith, accountability, and service. His "Offseason Challenge" fosters character through Christian service, campus involvement, and peer accountability. A former player praised Patterson as a living example of faith, leadership, and fatherhood who inspires on and off the field.
Lastly, the Men's Basketball is this year's Male Team of Character, recognized for their commitment to servant leadership and community impact. As noted in their nomination, the 2025 Sun Conference Tournament champions completed 679 hours of community service during the academic year. Their efforts included volunteering at the Miami Soup Kitchen with the Missionaries of Charity, mentoring youth in Immokalee, serving at Grace Place and Ave Maria Parish, and spending time with seniors at Pineapple House. The team also took part in numerous campus-wide service initiatives, consistently demonstrating a culture of selflessness and character beyond the court.
The National Award Winners will be announced on September 15.
