Eric Honert, Valparaiso men's tennis all-time leader in singles victories, earned the 2014 Vernon John Award last week. The award, handed out by United States Tennis Association (USTA) Colorado, recognizes the year's outstanding Colorado collegiate male player. Honert concluded an outstanding career with the Brown and Gold this past spring with 14 wins in singles play. The Arvada native graduated with 69 career singles victories, the most by a Crusader men's tennis player in school history. 

Meanwhile, freshman Garrett Gardner (Poland, Ohio/Poland) was elected as the boy’s recipient of the Diane McNeal Jr. Sportsmanship Award per the Northeastern Ohio Tennis Association (NEOTA). NEOTA strives to recognize individuals in their area who have selflessly given back to tennis and celebrate the accomplishments of players and teams. Gardner currently owns a 9-2 record in singles play and a 6-4 mark in doubles with Valpo.