PISCATAWAY - Rutgers University student-athletes Casey Murphy and Michael Rexrode were presented the prestigious Big Ten Medal of Honor Tuesday evening at the fourth annual RAwards at the Rutgers Athletic Center. The red carpet event recognized, via both awards and videos, the many accomplishments of the Scarlet Knights this season on the field, in the classroom and in the community.

"We are incredibly proud of the young men and women who represent our University and the State of New Jersey as Scarlet Knights," said Director of Athletics Pat Hobbs. "Their contributions academically, competitively and socially are the driving force behind all that we aspire to achieve as a department. This is what we celebrate tonight. We wish our seniors all the best as they embark on the next phase of theirs lives. And of course, they remain Scarlet Knights forever!"

This year marks the 104th anniversary of the Big Ten Medal of Honor, awarded annually to one male and one female student-athlete from the graduating class of each member institution who have demonstrated excellence on and off the field throughout their college career. The conference's most exclusive award was the first of its kind in intercollegiate athletics to recognize academic and athletic excellence.

A MAC Hermann Trophy Semifinalist this past season after leading the Big Ten and ranking second in the nation in GAA (0.267), save percentage (.924) and total shutouts (16), Murphy was also tabbed a Scholar All-American and Academic All-Big Ten. The Bridgewater (N.J.) native earned First Team All-American, First Team All-Big Ten and was the Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Year after denying 73 of 79 shots on goal, while allowing just six goals in 21 starts. RU's all-time career shutouts leader with 45 total clean sheets in just three years of action, she redshirted in 2016 to compete for the U.S. Under-20 Women's National Team at the U-20 FIFA World Cup. Selected 13th overall by Sky Blue FC in the 2018 NWSL College Draft, Murphy is signed to a professional contract with Montpellier Hérault Sport Club of France.

"The team and the coaches are all very proud of Casey and her accomplishments," said head women's soccer coach Mike O'Neil. "To win the Big Ten Medal of Honor speaks volumes about how hard Casey works, both in the classroom and on the field. She represents our team, our family and Rutgers nation at every level and we are all so proud of her."

The Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, Rexrode has earned First Team All-Big Ten honors the past two seasons. He garnered honors this year after starting all 14 games, with 23 ground balls and nine caused turnovers. A two-time team captain, he was a Senior CLASS Award Finalist, member of the Tewaaraton Award Watch List, and 2^nd round draft pick of the MLL's Florida Launch. An All-American in 2017, he has started in every career game played. The Civil Engineering major maintains a 3.8 GPA.

"Michael is an extremely fitting recipient of the Big Ten Medal of Honor," said head men's lacrosse coach Brian Brecht. "While he is an exceptional performer on the playing field as a two-time First Team all-conference selection, he is equally as impressive in the classroom and as a member of the community. He has been an outstanding leader in our locker room as a two-time captain and is a true-student athlete."

Numerous awards were bestowed Tuesday evening, including the Bauer Male and Female Athlete of the Year. Wrestling's Nick Suriano and swimming & diving's Addison Walkowiak earned the Bauer Awards, named in honor of beloved supporters William and Barbara Bauer.

2018 RAWARDS HONOREES & BIOGRAPHIES:

MICHAEL REXRODE (MEN'S LACROSSE) - MALE BIG TEN MEDAL OF HONOR & BIG TEN POSTGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP
Rexrode has been the backbone of the men's lacrosse team's defense throughout his career and earned First Team All-Big Ten honors the past two seasons. Rexrode garnered Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year honors this year after starting all 14 games, with 23 ground balls and nine caused turnovers. A two-time team captain, he was a Senior CLASS Award Finalist, member of the Tewaaraton Award Watch List, and 2^nd round draft pick of the MLL's Florida Launch. An All-American in 2017, he has started in every career game played. The Civil Engineering major maintains a 3.8 GPA.

CASEY MURPHY (WOMEN'S SOCCER) - FEMALE BIG TEN MEDAL OF HONOR
Murphy earned numerous accolades throughout her standout career. The Bridgewater native's resume boasts her status as a two-time All-American, two-time Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Year, two-time All-Big Ten First Team selection, and two-time All-Region First Team honoree. In the classroom, Murphy was tabbed a Scholar All-American and Academic All-Big Ten her senior season. In 2017, Murphy was named a MAC Hermann Trophy Semifinalist after leading the Big Ten and ranking second in the nation in GAA (0.267), save percentage (.924) and total shutouts (16). Overall, she stopped 73 of 79 opponent shots on goal, allowing just six goals in 21 starts. Murphy became Rutgers all-time career shutouts leader in 2017 with 45 total clean sheets in just three years of action. She redshirted the 2016 season to compete for the U.S. Under-20 Women's National Team at the U-20 FIFA World Cup. The goalkeeper's career total is a mark that ranks second in Big Ten history and fourth in the NCAA among active career leaders. Murphy was selected 13th overall by Sky Blue FC in the 2018 NWSL College Draft. She is signed to a professional contract with Montpellier Hérault Sport Club of France.

ADDISON WALKOWIAK (SWIMMING & DIVING) - BAUER FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR & BIG TEN POSTGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP
Walkowiak is the most decorated diver in program history. This past season, she became the program's first Big Ten All-Conference performer with a silver medal in 1-meter diving, and later became the program's first 1-Meter Diving All-America honoree with an Honorable Mention 11th place finish at NCAA Championships. She has earned nine weekly awards from the Big Ten over her career, including six Diver of the Week accolades. An NCAA Championships qualifier in all four of her seasons, she also owns three titles in the NCAA Zone A Championships and graduates as the school record holder on both the 1- and 3-meter diving events, resetting both records in 2018. Out of the pool, Walkowiak is a two-time CSCAA Scholar All-American, three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection and a member of the Rutgers Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

NICK SURIANO (WRESTLING) - BAUER MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR & SOPHOMORE MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Suriano finished the season 25-1, highlighted by the program's first-ever appearance in a national final. The 2018 All-American closed out the campaign with 17 wins by bonus points, which included eight tech falls, six major decisions and three pins. The Paramus native picked up wins over eight ranked foes in 2017-18, including a 2-0 decision over then-No. 1 Darian Cruz in the 2018 NCAA Championships semifinal bout. Suriano, who also became the program's first-ever regular-season No. 1 ranked wrestler in his respective weight class, placed at the Big Ten Championships in 2018 and secured RU's first individual title at the 2017 Midlands Championships.

TYLER SCAIFE (WOMEN'S BASKETBALL) – SENIOR FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR & COMEBACK ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
After missing the 2016-17 season following open heart surgery, Scaife powered back to lead Rutgers with 19.4 points-per-game, while becoming the 20th Scarlet Knight selected in a WNBA draft. During her redshirt senior campaign, Scaife became RU's second all-time leading scorer with 2,233 career points and was the country's eighth active leading scorer. A WBCA Regional All-American, Metropolitan Basketball Writers Player of the Year and First Team All-Big Ten selection by the coaches and media, she led the Scarlet Knights to a nation-leading 14-game improvement and their best start in Big Ten play. The Little Rock, Ark. native landed on numerous watch lists, including the Wade Trophy, the Dawn Staley Award, and the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award. Scaife was named to the Big Ten honor roll four times this past season, twice named a Metropolitan Basketball Writers Association Player of the Week and was featured on ESPNW's Top 10 Plays of the Week.

JULES HENINGBURG (LACROSSE) - SENIOR MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Heningburg is the offensive leader for men's lacrosse. The First-Team All-Big Ten selection led the team with 36 goals and 33 assists for 69 points. The Maplewood native led the Big Ten in assists and points, and was second in goals. He had six goals in the win over No.12 Syracuse that earned him National Player of the Week honors. A Tewaaraton Award Semifinalist, he is second all-time at Rutgers in points (204), seventh in goals (116) and 10^th in assists (88). The two-time team captain was the program's first ever First Round Major League Lacrosse draft pick, after being selected seventh overall by the Florida Launch.

KYLE PLESS (LACROSSE) - JUNIOR MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Pless excelled as the Scarlet Knight's top long-stick midfielder this season. The Highlands Ranch, Colorado native caused 10 turnovers, as Rutgers led the Big Ten with 6.4 caused turnovers per game. He has also keyed the team's transition offense, collecting 26 ground balls this season, adding two assists and also taking face-offs.

FRANCESCA STOPPA (SWIMMING & DIVING) - JUNIOR FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Relentless hard work in the pool and classroom has yielded continued success for Stoppa. The 2017-18 season culminated in a third straight appearance at the NCAA Championships, and coupled with an outstanding grade point average, Stoppa will earn a second straight mention on the prestigious CSCAA Scholar All-America list. On her way to the national championships, Stoppa broke her own school record in the 200 Butterfly and placed fourth in a loaded Big Ten championship final in February. Other season highlights include six overall event victories, a qualifying time for the championship final at the world-class Texas Invitational, and a New Jersey Open Record in the 100 Butterfly at the U.S. Open Championships.

SAMANTHA BUDD (LACROSSE) - SOPHOMORE FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Budd led the team in points with 37 and co-lead with 30 goals in 2018, both career highs for the West Deptford, native. She produced five multi-goal outings and four hat tricks this season, including a career-high seven points and six goals in Rutgers' win at Monmouth on Feb. 17. Budd was also the team leader and ninth in the Big Ten conference in draw controls with 54, tying the single-game program record with 12 draw controls in the season opener at Temple on Feb. 10. A Big Ten preseason player to watch, she also contributed 19 ground balls, 12 caused turnovers, seven assists in 2018.

AMIRAH ALI (SOCCER) - FRESHMAN FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Ali made an immediate impact. The Voorhees native collected numerous accolades, claiming Big Ten Freshman of the Year. She also picked up All-Big Ten Third Team, Big Ten All-Freshman Team, and United Soccer Coaches All-Midwest Region Second Team recognition. Wasting no time to contribute, Ali recorded her first career goal on a single shot in RU's season opening win. From there, the 2016 NCSAA National High School Player of the Year brought her goal total to six, while adding five assists. Three of those assists came in conference play, including helpers on the game winner in overtime at Illinois and the tying goal in the draw at Nebraska. Most recently, Ali was called up to the U.S. Under-20 Women's National Team training camp this past February.

GEO BAKER (BASKETBALL) - FRESHMAN MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
The 2017-18 All-Met Division I Rookie of the Year, RU's first since 2009, Baker averaged 10.8 points and 2.2 rebounds-per-game with 57 assists and 35 steals, while averaging 13.1 points against ranked opponents. He started 29 of 33 games, missing one due to illness, and shot 78.5% from the free throw line. Baker had 19 double-digit scoring games and ranked 1st in minutes (31.6), 3rd in assists (2.6), 4th in 3-point percentage (35.5), 5th in scoring (10.8) and 5th in steals (1.1) among Big Ten freshmen. He scored a team-high 25 points versus No. 8 Purdue in Big Ten Tournament Quarterfinals and posted 29 points via seven 3-pointers vs. Bryant, the most for RU frosh in regulation since 2000.

TEAM OF THE YEAR – WRESTLING
Wrestling produced the best team finish in program history at the NCAA Championships this past March, as six Scarlet Knights combined for 19 victories and 42.5 team points en route to an 11th-place result. The historic showing at NCAAs also included the program's first national finalist in Nick Suriano, as well as a sixth-place finisher in Scott DelVecchio. The program earned multiple All-Americans for the third consecutive year under head coach Scott Goodale. This past season, RU collected eight dual wins, including victories over four ranked foes, and also produced the best finish at the Midlands Championships in its history with its second-place result in December. Rutgers finished 2017-18 ranked 19th in the final coaches' poll, while six Scarlet Knights closed out the season ranked in their respective weight classes by FloWrestling. 

EMILY MILLS (WOMEN'S GOLF) - HIGH ACADEMIC ACHIEVER AWARD
The Big Ten's female recipient of the prestigious Wayne Duke Postgraduate Scholarship, Mills is a three-time team captain and the program's career leader in scoring average, birdies and par or better rounds. A cell biology and neuroscience major with a minor in business administration in the School of Arts and Sciences Honors Program, she maintains a 3.958 GPA and will attend the New York University School of Medicine this upcoming fall. The Colts Neck native has served as a volunteer with the Foundation for International Medical Relief of Children in Peru. She has completed more than 250 hours of research with the Cancer Institute of New Jersey Undergraduate program and invested numerous hours in Rutgers Leadership Academy community service initiatives. Mills has also been recognized as a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar and is poised to become a four-time Women's Golf Coaches Association Division I All-America Scholar.

NICK GRAVINA – TRUE GRIT AWARD & RLA KNIGHTS IN ACTION AWARD
A three-time NCAA qualifier, Gravina closed out the regular season with a 14-3 record, a 6-1 mark in Big Ten dual action and victories over two top-10 opponents. Gravina was able to succeed on the mat this season while dealing with a persistent shoulder injury that has resulted in numerous dislocations during competition. Despite the adversity, he continued to wrestle at a high level. His "True Grit" was put on full display in Rutgers' season opener against Maryland at High Point Solutions Stadium. Down 2-0 against UMD's Jaron Smith in the opening period, Gravina's shoulder popped out. With the help of athletic trainer John Taggart, Gravina popped the shoulder back in and proceeded to outscore Smith, 10-2, in the next two periods for the win. Gravina donated 54 hours of community service during the academic year, lending a helping hand with Embrace Kids Foundation, visiting local schools and hospitals, and volunteering at the local soup kitchen. The first four-time Academic All-Big Ten selection in school history, Gravina has maintained over a 3.00 GPA in each of the past four seasons. He has already earned his bachelor's degree in psychology and is working towards a master's degree in counseling psychology.

MICHAEL WHITE - SPIRIT PERFORMER OF THE YEAR
White is a two-time captain of the coed cheer team and is a four-year letterwinner. He has been a leader for all four years, due to his work ethic in practice, on the field, on the court and at the National Competition. He has been exemplary from day one. White has been the understated backbone of the team for four years, and has not only maintained, but enhanced the integrity of this 108-year old team.

JOE DONATO – VARSITY R AWARD
Donato serves as an ambassador for the Varsity R Association and its football letterwinners. A 1997 letterwinner as a member of the football team, he has played an integral role in the planning and organizing of football letterwinner events. In addition to his work as an ambassador, Donato is an era representative for football letterwinners during the 1990's. Donato attends a number of Varsity R and Leadership Academy event each year, including volunteering his time and providing financial support. 

GAME OF THE YEAR - MEN'S BASKETBALL DEFEATS #15 SETON HALL
Corey Sanders shot 9-of-16 to score 22 points in helping Rutgers to a 71-65 win over No. 15 Seton Hall at the RAC in the annual Garden State Hardwood Classic. Deshawn Freeman added a double-double, as the Scarlet Knights earned their first nationally-ranked victory since a 67-62 win over No. 4 Wisconsin. A capacity crowd of 8,318 provided an energized setting for the rivalry contest, which dates back to 1916. It signaled the largest crowd at the RAC since February 23, 2002, a 66-60 RU win over the Pirates. The student section, which comprised a raucous segment of the crowd, flooded on to the floor at the game's conclusion to celebrate the comeback victory with their classmates. Rutgers trailed by as much as 13 points in the first half and entered the locker room at the midpoint facing a 10-point (42-32) deficit.

WOMEN'S GOLF - TOP TEAM GRADE POINT AVERAGE & RUTGERS LEADERSHIP ACADEMY TEAM CUP AWARD
Under the leadership of head coach Kari Williams, women's golf maintains a 3.82 grade point average to lead all programs for the third consecutive year. With five returning WGCA All-America Scholars and three Big Ten All-Academic selections on the roster, the team is poised to have six Big Ten All-Academic honorees this spring. With a perfect 1,000 multi-year rate for the past five years, women's golf was one of eight Rutgers programs to receive public recognition from the NCAA for its most recent multi-year Academic Progress Rate (APR) score. The team also earned The National Girls and Women in Sports (NAGWS) Team Academic Award this season. In the community, women's golf has maintained perfect participation in RLA initiatives under Williams and logged 304 hours this past academic year despite a roster much smaller than many of its peers.

MALE GAME PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR – RUDY WINKLER (TRACK & FIELD)
Graduate student Rudy Winkler made a statement in his debut as a Scarlet Knight this season. At the Florida Relays in Gainseville, Winkler shattered the Rutgers hammer throw record with a throw of 71.76 meters, a 235' 5" mark. The previous record of 64.99 meters was set in 2016. The reigning NCAA Champion in the hammer throw went on to reset the record a week later at the Sam Howell Invitational at Princeton, this time with a throw of 72.02 meters, a 236' mark. Winkler looks forward for an opportunity to defend is national title this spring.

FEMALE GAME PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR – PAGE PERRATORE (LACROSSE)
Paratore saved her best game of the season for a national TV audience, as the senior midfielder scored a career-high four goals in the overtime win against Michigan on April 12 at High Point Solutions Stadium on BTN. With her team trailing by one with less than 10 minutes to play, Paratore sprinted to the left side of the cage, spun back in with a nifty move and drilled the game-tying goal. In overtime, Paratore secured the opening draw after Michigan fouled her and followed with her game-winning score – an unassisted strike as the shot clock expired.

KATIE BEILIN (FIELD HOCKEY) - RLA KNIGHTS IN ACTION AWARD
A four-year letterwinner, Beilin logged 55 hours in RLA community service initiatives this year. A goalkeeper from Morristown, she ran the RISE initiative for equality in sports, headed up the SAAC Toy Drive, worked with the Embrace Kids Foundation, volunteered at Read Across America, the Ronald McDonald House and Elijah's Promise Soup Kitchen.

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