HAMBURG, N.Y. – The Athletics Department hosted its annual Athletic Awards Reception on Monday April 29th in the Swan Auditorium with Athletic Director Tim Seil serving as the primary emcee.

Sister Jenny Wilson's opening reflection started the evening before Dr. Michael Brophy, President of Hilbert College, kicked off the celebration by thanking our student-athletes and coaches for their commitment and dedication to the college and department.

The athletic department will continue to announce honors and award winners over the next thirteen days before we conclude the Awards ceremony recap when we celebrate our 2024 seniors.

Today, please allow us to recognize a handful of individuals who have offered their special support to Hilbert College and our athletics program. These individuals have gone above and beyond this year, supporting our campus by providing safe playing conditions, sponsoring events, and providing financial support to our programs.

Mike Tepfenhart (West Herr Auto|Hilbert College Board of Trustee), Gene Stolowski (Hilbert College supporter) and Diana Weiss (Hilbert College supporter honoring Roger Weiss' legacy as the first Hilbert College male graduate) received a gift from the program in person while Brian Duffek (Big Tree Inn), Jill Meyer (Baillie Lumber|Hilbert College Board of Trustee), Terrance Heard (Buffalo Public Schools|Hilbert College Board of Trustee) Dennis DiPaolo (Ilio DiPaolo's Restaurant), Michelle Sullivan (Freed Maxick|Hilbert College Board of Trustee) and JC Seneca (Tallchief Territory Native Pride) were acknowledged for their support with a loud round of applause.

Hilbert College Athletics also recognizes individuals within the college community who, on a daily basis, make sure our department is able to compete at the highest level.

Three individuals were recognized this year when the 2024 Service Award was presented to Bob Pawelski, Tommy Bapst and Don Suchan.

Bob Pawelski is in his final year in a full-time role as an Information Technology Coordinator as he is retiring in May. Bob has always been ready to help the athletic department with its technology whenever needed.  He has always gone above and beyond helping with smartboard training or music and audio hic cups which were on full display at the end of the night.

Tommy Bapst has worked in our maintenance department for over a decade and has always worked hard to ensure our student-athletes have a safe playing environment. This year he served as a mentor to a few student-athletes who performed an internship in facility management.

Don Suchan is the Director of Facilility Services and has been with the college for over 20 years in various capacities.  He, too, steps in wherever and whenever he can to support our student-athletes and staff.  We are grateful for his leadership and dedication to the campus.

Stay tuned for tomorrow's installment which will focus on the 2024 academic award winners and student speaker.