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The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh athletic department recognized the induction of three Hall of Fame members and the accomplishments of 86 senior athletes May 4 at Reeve Memorial Union.

The UW Oshkosh Hall of Fame increased its membership to 150 with the inductions of Tara (Harding) Jaeger, Tom Taraska and Lisa (Melendez) Van Wyk.

Click here to read more about Tara (Harding) Jaeger.

Click here to read more about Tom Taraska.

Click here to read more about Lisa (Melendez) Van Wyk.

Established in 1974, the Hall of Fame gives tribute and deserved recognition to former athletes, coaches and friends of the university. It is also intended to enhance school tradition by honoring those people who have shown exceptional ability while on the UW Oshkosh campus and since graduation.

Student awards included the John Taylor Scholar-Athlete Awards and the Phyllis Roney Coaches’ Award.

The John Taylor Scholar-Athlete Award is presented annually to an outstanding male and female senior letter winner who has compiled a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or better. The award reflects not only individual athletic achievement, but also embodies the ideals of team contribution, scholastic endeavor and school and community involvement.

Derek Christiansen, chemistry major with a 3.67 grade point average (GPA), four-year letter winner for the men’s soccer team and owner of numerous individual and team accolades, was named the 2008 male John Taylor Scholar-Athlete. Nominees included Nate Boehlke (track and field), Jordan Johnson (basketball), Kevin Luedtke (wrestling), Trevor Stellrecht (swimming and diving) and Eric Stenbroten (football).

Sarah Schettle, chemistry and Spanish major with a 3.90 GPA, four-year letter winner for the women’s indoor and outdoor track and field and swimming and diving teams and owner of numerous individual, team and academic accolades, was named the 2008 female John Taylor Scholar-Athlete. Nominees included Liz Buske (golf), Jenny Melville (cross country), Leah Rosenbaum (volleyball), Terri Schwamb (track and field), Amy Sullivan (softball), Whitney Tyriver (basketball) and Vanessa Virbitsky (gymnastics).

The Phyllis Roney Coaches’ Award recognizes leadership, character, sportsmanship and service as a UW Oshkosh athlete. Receiving this award was Vanessa Virbitsky for her contributions to the gymnastics and outdoor track and field teams.