ALFRED, NY – Saxon Nation successfully hosted the fourth annual ALFYS Awards Night on Monday evening from the Miller Theatre.

This is the best night of the year for AU Athletics," Interim Athletic Director Erin Schurr said. "The ALFYS continue to showcase the incredible spirit, talent and dedication of our student-athletes while bringing our entire athletic community together to celebrate excellence both on and off the field. Thank you to everyone who helped make this year's celebration such a success. Go Saxons!"

Nicholas F. Clark '11 Ideal Saxon Award

The Nicholas F. Clark '11 Ideal Saxon Award is awarded annually to one male and female senior student-athlete that has displayed excellence in their sport but most importantly, upholds the values of the athletic department. This award is presented in memory of an outstanding football player and an even better person, Nicholas F. Clark. Established originally as the Ideal Saxon Award in 2013, the award was properly renamed the Nicholas F. Clark '11 Ideal Saxon Award, following the tragic passing of Nick Clark, a 2011 graduate of Alfred University and Saxon football program, who lost his life while serving in the line of duty as a New York State Police Trooper in the summer of 2018.

The 14th and 15th recipients of the award were Matthew Bittel (Wellsville, NY/Wellsville) of the men's tennis team and Kiani Barnard-Pratt (Westford, MA/Westford Academy) of the women's soccer team. The award was presented by Theresa Gunn, Clark's Mother, as well as Nyah Solly '25, a recipient of the award at the 2024-25 ALFYS.

Exceptional Saxon Award

The Exceptional Saxon Award honors those who have provided exceptional support and service to the AU Athletic Department. The honorees were nominated for this award because of their tireless dedication to Saxon Athletics. The recipient of the 2025-26 Exception Saxon Award were Elijah Adams and Ethan Sick, interns for the Athletic Communications department. Both Adams and Sick were honored on Monday for their dedication to the Athletics department, going above and beyond through the Spring 2026 semester.

ECAC Merit Medal Award

The ECAC Merit Medal Award is presented in conjunction with the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference. The award is bestowed upon a male and female senior student-athlete who has combined excellence in the fields of competition and in the classroom, along with outstanding service to the institution and the community. The recipients of the ECAC Merit Medal Award were Franlys Valenzuela (Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic/San Ysidro) of the men's basketball team and Alina Zabihailo (Kyiv, Ukraine/Educational Complex #143) of the women's tennis team.

Franklin Morley & Muriel Strong Award

The Franklin Morley & Muriel Strong Award is presented to two athletes, one male and one female, who are highly involved in campus activities. It was established by the Morley family in honor of Dr. Franklin Morley '42 and Muriel Strong Morley '43. Each earned academic distinction and achieved distinguished careers as educators, and they enjoyed success in athletic pursuits as well. Muriel served as president of the AU Women's Athletics Governing Board, participated in tennis, badminton, and volleyball, and established a new record in 1943 for total athletic points earned over a four-year period. Franklin participated in track & field and was the top miler on the team in 1942. The Franklin Morley Award was presented to Christopher Coyle (Livonia, NY/Livonia) of the men's basketball team, while the Muriel Strong Award was received by Zabihailo of the women's tennis team.

Athlete of the Year Award

The Athlete of the Year is awarded to the most outstanding male and female athletes who have excelled in their sport throughout the year at AU. Hunter Cupp (Bath, NY/Haverling) of the men's lacrosse team and Samantha Smit (Columbiana, OH/Ursuline) of the equestrian program were the recipients of the award.

Newcomer of the Year Award

The Newcomer of the Year is awarded to the top male and female student-athletes who have excelled in their sport in their first year of competition at Alfred University. This award is open to both first-year and transfer student-athletes. The recipients of the Newcomer of the Year Award were Youssef amr Abdallatif (Cairo, Egypt/Raya Language School) of the men's swimming & diving team and Meeghan Peterson (Amherst, NY/Williamsville South) of the women's volleyball team.

The Unsung Hero Award

The Unsung Hero Award embodies a student-athlete whose tremendous support of their team, the athletic department and Alfred University brings constant pride to those who wear purple & gold. This athlete sets an example of selflessness that is recognized by all. The fourth recipient of the Unsung Hero Award was Briana Dorr (Clifton Park, NY/Shenendehowa) of the women's basketball and track & field teams.

Highest Team GPA

Originated last year, Alfred University Athletics honored the team with the highest team GPA following the Spring 2025 and Fall 2025 semesters. The team with the highest spring 2025 GPA was dressage equestrian. The men's alpine skiing team won the highest fall 2025 GPA.  

ServU Community Award

In conjunction with ServU Federal Credit Union, the ServU motto is 'People Helping People'. The ServU Community Award is presented to the team that fulfills the most community service hours based upon roster size. Both Assistant Vice President of Marketing Carrie Foley and Marketing & Business Development Specialist Kurtis King were in attendance to present the award on behalf of ServU, which was awarded to the women's basketball team.  
Team Saxon-for-Saxon Award

The Saxon-for-Saxon program is a way to connect our student-athletes outside of their own sport and recognize and thank those who consistently come to home contests to support their peers. The recipients of the Saxon-for-Saxon Award were the women's rugby team.

Saxon Strong Award

The Saxon Strong award acknowledges both a male and female student-athlete who led by example through their unwavering dedication to training for their sports. These student-athletes exemplify the power of consistent effort, inspiring their teammates with their commitment and positive attitude. This award highlights the character and resilience that define true Saxon Strength. The recipients of the award were Jack Bestpitch (Buffalo, NY/St. Mary's of Lancaster) of the football team and Molly Howlett (Brockport, NY/Brockport) of the field hockey and women's lacrosse teams.

Perseverance Award
New to the 2025-26 ALFYS, the Perseverance Award recognizes a student-athlete who has demonstrated unwavering resolve in the face of physical or personal challenges. While the path to recovery is rarely linear, they met every setback with a grit that inspired both their peers and the sports medicine staff. The recipient of the Perseverance Award was Peyton McInnis (Ransomville, NY/Wilson) of the women's basketball team.
 
Emerging Leader Award

In conjunction with the efforts of Dr. McKenzie Bromback, the Emerging Leader Award was selected as someone who went above and beyond during their time with Dr. McKenzie during the 2025-26 academic year. Samantha Stock (Ellicottville, NY/Ellicottville Central) of the women's rugby team was the recipient of the award.

Highlight of the Year

Over the last few weeks, the Athletic Communications staff gathered and posted highlight reels from the 2025-26 seasons and shared them on social media. We asked for all Saxon Nation to decide our winner by voting. Zach Russell (Purling, NY/Cairo-Durham) of the baseball team won the award following a diving catch effort.

49 Saxons were also inducted into Chi Alpha Sigma Honors Society on Monday evening. Chi Alpha Sigma is the first national scholar-athlete society to honor collegiate student-athletes who have excelled in both the classroom and in athletic competition. Chi Alpha Sigma recognizes college students who receive a varsity letter in their sport while earning a 3.40 or higher cumulative grade point average.