Award Descriptions
Grace McIlrath Parker ’11 Award
This award is sponsored by alumni and friends in honor of the recipient of the first Honor G earned by a woman at Grinnell College. Through 2021, the young woman receiving this award was chosen because of her outstanding performance on the athletic field in a single sport, her leadership on the team, and her upholding of the tradition of athletics and education in general. Since 2022, the award has gone to the outstanding athlete in a team sport.
Morgan Taylor ’26 Award
This award is sponsored by classmates and alumni of Grinnell College in honor of Morgan Taylor ’26, three-time Olympic track medalist. Through 2021, the young man receiving this award was chosen because of his outstanding performance on the athletic field in a single sport, combined with solid leadership on the team and his upholding of the traditions of athletics and education in general. Since 2022, the award has gone to the outstanding athlete in an individual sport.
Joyce Buck ’57 Award
This award is sponsored by the Buck family and former athletes in honor of Joyce Buck ’57, an alumna and physical education instructor at Grinnell who died in 1969. Through 2021, the young woman receiving this award was chosen because of her outstanding performance on the athletic field in more than one sport, her outstanding leadership on the team, her contribution to the betterment of athletics and education in general, and her letters in more than one sport. Since 2022, the award has gone to the outstanding athlete in an individual sport.
David Theophilus ’51 Award
This award is sponsored by the Theophilus family and former athletes in honor of David Theophilus ’51. Theophilus, who was killed in the Korean War, played football and wrestled at Grinnell. Through 2021, the young man receiving this award was chosen because of his outstanding performance on the athletic field in more than one sport, his contribution toward the betterment of athletics and education in general, and his letters in more than one sport. Since 2022, the award has gone to the outstanding athlete in a team sport.
Coaches’ Award
This award is given by the Grinnell College coaches and is not necessarily given annually. The recipient of this award has had a distinguished athletic career in one or more sports at Grinnell College, has shown leadership by being a positive and significant influence on fellow athletes and the athletic program at Grinnell, is respected by both coaches and athletes, and has represented the best ideals of Grinnell athletics in terms of sportsmanship and dedication to sport and team.
Service Award
Given to the man and woman who have received the most letters over the course of their Grinnell careers.
Scholastic Award
The scholastic award is given to the senior man and woman who have achieved the highest cumulative grade point average, who have participated in a varsity sport every year on campus, and who have lettered at least once.
Honor G Blanket
This award is presented to seniors who have earned a letter in the same varsity sport for three seasons with one of those seasons being in the student-athlete’s senior year. This year’s recipients were previously notified of their award.
