The Kiwanis Club of Utica celebrated 13 standout student-athletes from six area colleges during its 36th annual Collegiate Sports Awards Program held on May 1st at Club Monarch.

The Sports Awards Program, founded in 1988 by former Utica College Athletic Director Jim Spartano, honors athletes who demonstrate positive character attributes and athletic ability.  The athletic recognition program fulfills the Kiwanis mission of supporting local youth.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Kevin Grimmer Memorial Award, given in honor of the late SUNY Poly coach and athletic director. Grimmer lost his battle with ALS in 2023 at age 64. This year’s recipient was Hunter Logan, a senior shot putter on Utica University’s track and field team and a Herkimer College graduate.

Colleges represented included Hamilton College, Herkimer College, Mohawk Valley Community College, SUNY Poly, SUNY Morrisville, and Utica University. Each school selected one male and one female athlete for recognition.

Athletes Honored:

Hamilton College: Emma Tansky, James Philpott

Herkimer College: Yetnelyz Lugo Mateo, Jayson McGhee

MVCC: Krista Panko, Gustavo Nunes

SUNY Poly: Trinity Critelli, Marqus Merchant Jr.

SUNY Morrisville: Logyn Nyitrai, Evan Salvaggio

Utica University: Jade Dening, Matt Wood

The event continues the Kiwanis mission of supporting and uplifting youth through community service and recognition.

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