The Valley City State University athletic department held its annual Viking Awards on Monday night, recognizing senior student-athletes and announcing its major student-athlete awards.
 
Riley Gerhardt (football) and Taylor Sargent (track & field) were named the 2022-23 Athletes of the Year. Gerhardt led the NAIA with 12.5 sacks during the regular season and also tallied 109 tackles and 19.5 tackles for loss. Sargent has qualified for nationals in both the 60 meter hurdles and 100 meter hurdles and lowered the school record in both events.
 
Senior Riley Perryman (softball) and Keaton Kvilvang (basketball) received the Viking Impact Award, which goes to senior student-athletes who have made a major impact on the campus and community during their time at VCSU.
 
JayCee Richter (volleyball/basketball) and Jaiden Peraza (track & field) were named Newcomers of the Year. Richter starred as a two-sport athlete in her freshman season, making a major impact as the libero for volleyball and a key bench player for basketball. Peraza has qualified for nationals in both the indoor and outdoor high jump as a freshman, and picked up two All-Conference honors during the indoor track & field season.
 
The Iron Viking Award went to Ashlynne Copinga (softball) and Austin Young (football). This award is presented by the VCSU Strength and Conditioning staff to standout student-athletes in the weight room.
 
Meredith Dumas (basketball) received the Golden Crutch Award, which is presented by VCSU athletic training staff. This award goes to a student-athlete who has been a model patient for VCSU’s athletic trainers, encourages others in the training room, and continually works hard at making their health a priority.
 
The VCSU athletic department also recognized its senior student-athletes and NSAA Champions of Character representatives, along with school record breakers at the
event.