The Lindenwood Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) concluded ROARS week on Friday, another successful year of honoring the achievements of Lindenwood Athletics.
 
During the week, Lindenwood Athletics continued its emphasis on donating to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America, as the field hockey team took home the 2021 Wishmaker Award.  This year, the SAAC put a unique spin on giving and created competition among the individual sport programs.  Each Lindenwood Athletics program chose a staff representative to complete a physical challenge based on the amount of money raised for that team.  On Monday, May 3 at 3:30 p.m., each team representative will complete their physical task at Hunter Stadium. 
 
The week started with a trio of honors on Tuesday, as the winners for Best in a Supporting Role led off ROARS week.  Oscar Falth and Kayla Scholz were recognized as the winners for their constant support for their respective teams and keeping a positive attitude no matter the situation.  Connor Ciemiewicz and Marina Esparza were honored as winners of the Lion Pride award, which celebrates the student-athletes who represent Lindenwood University with strong school spirit and devotion to their team
 
The Iron Lion award identifies the student-athletes who put in quality work into becoming a better Lion.  McKenna Montgomery and Andrew Hasz were voted as the recipients of the Iron Lion award for their hard work and dedication in the weight room, and on their respective fields of play.  The women's lacrosse coaching staff was honored as the Coaching Staff of the Year.  Head coach Jack Cribbin and assistant coach Brian Smith strive to make the student-athlete experience better by caring for all members of the program.
 
Lindenwood recognized six members of the Lindenwood staff who help drive the success of Lindenwood Athletics.  Abri Forrest, Megan Hicks, Michael Reese, Mitch Schwartzman, Becky Taylor, and Kristin Trotter were all honored as Support Staff members who go above and beyond to help put each student-athlete in a position to accomplish their goals.

Academic awards given out during Roars Week this year included the Excellence in Teaching Award, presented to Dr. Annie Alameda, professor of Physical Education in the School of Health Sciences.  The Academic Persistence Award recognizes students who have made strides in improving their academic outcomes through using their resources and putting in the time to achieve success.  Sophia Swalley and TJ Crockett were named this year's winners.  And finally, the Scholar Athlete of the Year award is presented to student-athletes who are at least of junior standing, have a minimum GPA of 3.25, and have made significant athletic and academic contributions during their time as a lion.  Winners this year were Kyndall Baze and Logan Rezash.