ALTOONA, IA — Grand View University came together for an unforgettable evening at the 4th Annual Viktors Awards Ceremony, a high-energy celebration of the Viking student-athletes who represent the University with pride both on and off the field of play. Presented by Champion Sponsor Prairie Meadows, the night brought together athletes from all 28 Grand View sports programs, one of the rare occasions where so many Vikings could gather under one roof.
University President Rachelle Keck welcomed the crowd and set the tone for the evening, recognizing members of the Grand View University Board of Trustees in attendance, including Tom Triplett, Dr. Steven Neville, Mary Bontrager, Claudia Schabel, and Georgia Van Gundy. Brian Ohorilko, President & CEO of Prairie Meadows, also took the stage to offer remarks as the evening's Champion Sponsor.
The heart of the night was the recognition of Viking Scholar-Athletes, coaches, faculty, staff, and partners who made the 2025-26 year truly special. Here is a look at this year's Viktors Award winners:
Ella Hutchinson — Female Champions of Character
Harrison Froling — Male Champions of Character
Cheer — Team Champions of Character
Anna Vander Waal — Female Scholar Athlete
Joe Knutson — Male Scholar Athlete
Softball — Team Scholar Award
Dr. Kip Bottenfield — Top Faculty Member
Doug Wells & Todd Bailey — Staff of the Year
Jonathan Rivera & Matt DeBoer — Assistant Coaches of the Year
McAdaragh's — Individual Rock Award
Jason's Lawn and Tree — Corporate Rock Award
Ellie Dougherty — Female Iron Viking
John Argo — Male Iron Viking
Ellie Knock — Select Comeback Player
Madeline Waldorf — Freshman Female Athlete of the Year
Khaliq Machado — Male Freshman Athlete of the Year
Amaya Davison — Transfer Female Newcomer of the Year
Luis Helm — Transfer Male Newcomer of the Year
Andjela Prijovic — Female Breakout Athlete
Gabe Gonzales — Male Breakout Athlete
Mariana de Carvalho — Female Athlete of the Year
Garavous Kouekabakilaho — Male Athlete of the Year
