Wallis and Albaugh presented Sprandel and Hoover awards

OLIVET, Mich. – The Olivet College athletic department has announced Reese Wallis and Lillian Albaugh as the winners of the 2022 Walter B. Sprandel and Linda Hoover awards. These awards are presented annually to the senior male and female student-athlete for his/her contributions to the college in athletic performance, exemplary conduct and high academic achievement.

Wallis ended an illustrious career on the wrestling mat for the Comets. He became only the third wrestler in school history to earn four All-Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) citations, while leading Olivet to four straight MIAA championships. Wallis finished his career at Olivet with 57 wins, including 13 pins. He served as the team captain as a junior and senior and was a three-time NCAA regional placer.

Academically, Wallis will graduate with a degree in insurance & risk management major. He is only the second wrestler in school history to be named a National Wrestling Coaches Association Scholar All-American four times. Wallis is a three-time MIAA Academic Honor Roll recipient. Wallis was a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).

Albaugh is wrapping-up a great career at Olivet on the track & field team. She is a four-time All-MIAA indoor track & field and two-time All-MIAA outdoor track & field team selection. Albaugh has captured the MIAA shot put title at every MIAA championship she has competed in. She competes next week at the 2022 MIAA Field Day, with aspirations of adding to these totals. In addition, Albaugh is a six-time United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) All-Great Lakes Region honoree. The indoor and outdoor school record holder in the shot put, she finished 11th in the event at the 2019 NCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championships.

Academically, Albaugh will graduate with a degree in sports recreation management. She also a three-time MIAA Academic Honor Roll and USTFCCCA Individual All-Academic selection. Albaugh was a member of SAAC and was the lead event planner for several big on-campus events, including Comet Night Madness.

Wallis and Albaugh are now Olivet's nominees for the MIAA's Albert L.  Deal and Sheila Wallace Kovalchik Scholar-Athlete awards. These awards are presented each year to the top graduating male and female senior in the MIAA who has excelled in academics and athletics, as well as displayed outstanding leadership in his/her respective community.