Two Lawrence Viking student-athletes etched their names in the record books this past week as Marc Howe and Laura Aerts continued to have excellent senior campaigns.

On Saturday night, Marc Howe became the LU Hockey all-time leading point getter in heroic fashion. The Vikes entered overtime for the second consecutive night against Finlandia University. With just under two minutes remaining in the extra stanza, Howe stole a puck on his own blue line before blasting a wrsit shot past a stunned Lion goaltender. The goal, combined with a tally earlier in the game, gave Howe his 104th career point. This point passed Nick Jennette and Ryan Blick for first among all-time Viking hockey players.

Also on Saturday, Laura Aerts shattered the school record for “Free Throw percentage in a game” against Lake Forest College. The previous record had been 8-for-8 and was held by 10 former LU women’s basketball players. Aerts shot 12-for-12 from the line in the game en route to a career high 28 points.

Congratulations goes out to both Laura and Marc for their continued excellence within their sport!!!

On Sunday, January 4th, the Viking Football Family gathered for the annual End-of-the-Season Banquet. The event was tremendous and it marked the first time that the team held the event in the new Warch Center. Over 125 people were in attendance. Head Coach Chris Howard spoke about the season, a video highlight tape was shown, and team members were honored for their on-field and off-field performances. It was truly a special event for the 15 seniors who have given their heart and soul to Viking Football.

The LU Department of Athletics would like to extend its congratulations and gratitude to the 15 young men who have given their best to the Viking Football program and the University over the past 4 years.

Winning awards in any arena is an honor – but it is an even greater honor when your peers vote for such recognition. The following is a list of the 2009 Viking Football Team Award Winners. All of these awards were voted on by the players and coaches. Congratulations to all of you!!!

Outstanding freshman Nate Nelson

Most improved offense Ben Hartman

Most improved defense Greg Pater

Player of the year Offense Nate Nelson

Player of the year Defense Matt Frelich

Most valuable player Brian Janssen

LU Heart Award Brian Dabbs, Luke Peters

The Vikings Women’s Basketball team recently returned from their winter trip to Dallas, Texas. While it was very much a “business trip” for the team (they lost to Rhodes College before defeating host University of Dallas), players also had a chance to have some fun and explore “Big D”. The squad had an opportunity to see a Christmas lights show in the park that boasted over 2 million lights. The team also visited the assassination site and museum of President John F. Kennedy. The trip ended on an interesting note as an offhand remark by Coach Heidorf upon the team’s arrival to Dallas resulted in the team taking turns shaving his head into a mohawk! While it was a night not many players will forget, word has it that Coach Heidorf is quietly working to eliminate any and all photographic evidence of said occurrence.

Congratulations to Laura Aerts on being named Midwest Conference “Performer of the Week”. Laura is the type of teammate that every player wants to play with and every coach wants to work with each and every day. Congrats Laura on the first – but not last – accolade of her senior season.