At the heart of this tradition is the Bennion Family, whose commitment to Bengal Athletics has been nothing short of extraordinary. Their generosity has not only sustained this annual banquet but has fueled scholarships, equipment, new facilities, and travel opportunities, all in the name of making Bengal student-athletes better. That generosity is also reflected in the new Samuel H. Bennion Room in the ICCU Dome, which has quickly become one of the most beloved spaces in the building. Year after year, the Bennion Family has carried this tradition forward with joy and purpose, and Bengal Athletics is stronger for it.

The evening's namesake, Sam Bennion, was a larger-than-life presence. A competitor in all things, unapologetically honest, and endlessly passionate about ISU and the student-athletes who represented it, Sam had a way of lighting up every room he walked into. He didn't just give to this program; he gave with genuine joy. He loved athletics. He loved student-athletes. He loved Idaho State. His legacy lives on through his family's continued commitment to this tradition and to the Bengal community he so deeply cherished.
 

Bennion Outstanding Performer Award: Maddie Miller

Maddie Miller stood out as an exceptional and driven athlete for the ISU Cheer program, demonstrating elite strength, coordination, and disciplined commitment to the technical demands of the sport. She excelled in jumps and tumbling, consistently pushing herself to new heights. Beyond her individual performance, Maddie demonstrated a strong leadership presence that elevated those around her and helped set the standard for the entire team.

Bengal ROAR Award: Mallory Bell

Mallory Bell embodies the Bengal spirit through her unwavering school pride and infectious positivity. Her energy and encouragement uplifted teammates and fellow competitors at every event and competition throughout the season. Mallory set a high standard through her dedication and work ethic, leading by example and representing everything it means to be a Bengal.

Bennion Outstanding Performer Award: Brookie Yost

Brookie Yost, a second-year captain for the ISU Dance team, proved herself as both a commanding performer and a strong leader throughout the season. A talented dancer with an undeniable stage presence, Brookie consistently gave everything on the floor and inspired her teammates to do the same. Always performing with a smile and full commitment, she has become a crowd favorite and a model of excellence for the program.

Bengal ROAR Award: Ellie McBride Rindlisbaker

Ellie McBride Rindlisbaker concluded a remarkable four-year career with the ISU Dance team as an inspiring captain who consistently held herself to the highest standards. Her growth, self-motivation, and relentless pursuit of improvement throughout her time at Idaho State have been a source of inspiration for her teammates. Ellie consistently put the team first, showing the kind of perseverance and selfless dedication that the ROAR Award was created to honor.

Bennion Outstanding Performer Award: Marci Bell

Marci Bell established herself as a dominant force for Bengal Volleyball, earning All-Conference honors and a spot on the Big Sky Conference Tournament Team while leading the conference in blocks per set. In just three seasons, she climbed to third in program history in career attack percentage, seventh in career solo blocks, seventh in career total blocks, and ninth in career block assists. She is the only Bengal in program history to finish with an attack percentage of .300 or higher and more than 390 career blocks, a combination that speaks to the lasting mark she made on this program.

Bengal ROAR Award: Tana Howard

Tana Howard exemplifies resilience in every sense of the word. After battling through two consecutive years of injuries, she never stopped outworking those around her or bringing the highest level of preparation to help her team. Her relentless positive energy and motivating presence in the locker room and on the court have had a profound impact on the program, serving as a constant reminder of what it looks like to compete and lead with heart.

Bennion Outstanding Performer Award: Brielle Davis

Brielle Davis has cemented her place as one of the premier pole vaulters in Idaho State history. At the Big Sky Indoor Championships, she cleared 4.13 meters (13'6.5") for a second-place finish and posted a personal best of 4.24 meters (13'11"), a mark that ranks among the top performances in program history and qualified her for the NCAA Championships. A conference champion and school record holder, Davis consistently competed at or above the 4.00-meter threshold and has established herself among the best in the country.

Bengal ROAR Award (Indoor 2026): Megan Moore

Megan Moore made an immediate and historic impact in her first indoor season with the Bengals' throws group. She shattered a 25-year-old school record in the women's shot put, a mark previously held by her own coach, Hillary Merkley. Moore also recorded 17.08 meters (56'0.5") in the weight throw at the Big Sky Championships, placing her among the top competitors in the conference meet.

Bennion Outstanding Performer Award: Kylie Dimmick

Kylie Dimmick showcased her versatility as one of the most multi-event capable athletes in the Big Sky. Competing in the Heptathlon and High Jump, she recorded a high jump mark of 5'10" and qualified for the NCAA West Regionals with the second-best mark in program history, behind only Olympian Amber Welty. At the Big Sky Outdoor Championships, Dimmick delivered one of the most impressive performances of the day, earning a career-best 5,181 points for a second-place finish, All-Conference honors, and a placement eighth all-time in ISU history. She returned the following day to claim second in the open high jump.

Bengal ROAR Award: Katelyn Dickmore

Katelyn Dickmore's career trajectory is the very definition of what the Bengal ROAR Award represents. A strong shot put and discus thrower entering college, Dickmore made a bold decision in her final two seasons to take on the javelin, and what followed was remarkable. At the Big Sky Outdoor Championships, she won the conference title in the javelin with a throw of 44.01 meters, placed fifth in the discus at 47.00 meters, and finished seventh in the shot put, scoring across three events in a single championship meet. To learn a new event late in a career and rise all the way to conference champion is a rare and genuinely impressive thing.

Bennion Outstanding Performer Award: Axel Tirado Sanchez

Axel Tirado Sanchez proved himself one of the top throwers in the Big Sky throughout the 2026 indoor season. At the Big Sky Indoor Championships, he earned a second-place finish in the weight throw with a mark of 20.51 meters (67'3.5") on his final throw, then followed with a second-place performance in the shot put at 17.65 meters (57'10.75"). Consistently surpassing 20 meters in the weight throw all season, Tirado Sanchez broke the school record on multiple occasions, rewriting the program's all-time record books and positioning himself as one of the top throwers in ISU history.

Bengal ROAR Award (Indoor 2026): Alex Conner

Alex Conner was among the Bengals' top sprinters in the 2026 indoor season in both the 60 meters and 200 meters. While quietly navigating significant personal challenges, Conner delivered the best performance of his career at the Indoor Championships. He finished second in the 60m with a time of 6.68 seconds to break the ISU school record, then came back in the 200m and finished second again with a mark of 21.10, the second-best performance in program history. His speed, determination, faith, and love for his teammates embody the spirit of the Bengal ROAR Award.

Bennion Outstanding Performer Award: Jay Wadley

Jay Wadley delivered an exceptional 2025 outdoor season, establishing himself as the top thrower in the Big Sky Conference. He swept the throws at the Big Sky Outdoor Championship, winning both the shot put and the discus. Winning both events at the conference level is a rare feat that requires elite strength, technical precision, and the ability to perform under pressure, and Wadley made it look natural. His marks placed him among the nation's top competitors and earned him spots at the NCAA West Regional in both events. A strong leader and humble teammate, he has been a cornerstone of the Bengals' throws program.

Bengal ROAR Award: Tom Stoelken

Tom Stoelken demonstrated tremendous toughness and versatility in his first collegiate season. After a strong showing indoors, Stoelken came back outdoors and delivered a gutsy performance across 10 events to become the first true freshman in ISU history to win the decathlon. He is the first Bengal to claim that title since 2015 and recorded the 10th-best score in program history with a personal-best 6,770 points, anchored by wins in the 110m hurdles and javelin. His story is not just about athletic excellence. It is about the kind of well-rounded commitment to team, academics, and community that makes a Bengal.

Bennion Outstanding Performer Award: Millie Day

Millie Day is one of the most accomplished players in Idaho State women's tennis history. A former Big Sky Player of the Year and two-time First Team All-Big Sky selection, Day posted a 12-9 overall record this season competing in the No. 1 singles position, helping lead the Bengals to a top-three regular season finish and a tournament semifinal appearance. She and partner Emmy Richards tied the program record for the most overall wins in doubles, capping off an impressive body of work as one of the premier competitors in the conference.

Bengal ROAR Award: Stefanya Shalakhova

Stefanya Shalakhova, known as Steshka, brought four years of competitive heart and consistent excellence to the ISU women's tennis program. A team captain and former Big Sky Player of the Year, she earned First Team All-Conference honors in doubles this season alongside partner Veronika Zarovna, while posting a 12-9 singles record in the No. 2 spot. Respected deeply by her teammates, Steshka led with authenticity and competed hard for every point across her entire Bengal career.

Bennion Outstanding Performer Award: Valentino De Pellegrin

Valentino De Pellegrin capped a standout career at Idaho State with another exceptional season as team captain. He posted an 11-6 record in the No. 1 singles position, recording notable wins over top players from Utah State, BYU, and Gonzaga. De Pellegrin earned All-Big Sky First Team Singles honors and was named to the Doubles Second Team alongside fellow captain Tyler Dalos. His recognition as an All-Big Sky Singles selection all four seasons is a distinction that very few players at any program can claim.

Bengal ROAR Award: Sep de Visser

Sep de Visser showed composure and consistency when his team needed it most. He earned All-Big Sky Second Team Singles honors and was a key contributor during the team's late win stretch. Playing in the No. 2 singles position, he went 8-1 on the year, and alongside Quentin Lamothe posted a 6-1 doubles record in the No. 2 spot. His leadership and steady play were a major reason for the program's continued success.

The ISU Bengals softball program claimed the Big Sky Conference Championship for the third time in four years, a remarkable run of dominance under the direction of Coach Rich. The Bengals continue to set the standard in the conference and will host the Big Sky Tournament on their home field. Individual awards for the softball program will be announced following the conclusion of the postseason.

Bennion Outstanding Performer Award: Saydree Cooke

Saydree Cooke was the engine of the Bengal attack throughout the fall season. Starting and captaining the team in 16 of 17 matches while logging 1,103 minutes, she finished with two goals and a team-leading six assists, and led the squad in both total shots and shots on goal. Her shot total ranked third in the Big Sky Conference and placed her in the top 10 in shots on goal. She also led the conference in assists, making her one of the most dangerous offensive players in the league and someone every opponent had a plan for.

Bengal ROAR Award: Mary Za

Mary Za has been a committed and passionate Bengal since her first day on campus in 2022. A team captain and recipient of Big Sky All-Conference honors, she earned the respect of her teammates and coaches through years of dedicated effort both on and off the pitch. Beyond soccer, Mary founded the Black Student-Athletes of ISU and serves as the organization's president, leaving a meaningful and lasting impact on the broader student-athlete community at Idaho State. She is also widely recognized as one of the most gifted performers of the national anthem across Bengal athletics events.

Bennion Outstanding Performer Award: Izzy Hassebrock

Izzy Hassebrock turned in one of the most impressive individual seasons in Idaho State women's golf history. She posted a 76.5 tournament scoring average, the second-lowest single-season average in program history and the lowest ever recorded by a freshman at ISU. She tied a program best with four par-or-better rounds on the season, including scores of 68, 70, and 71 at the Big Sky Championship. The numbers tell a compelling story on their own, but Hassebrock also had a way of lifting the team in the tough moments, which matters just as much.

Bengal ROAR Award: Kaylie Parola

Kaylie Parola made an immediate impact in her first season with the Bengals, recording several top-10 tournament finishes and contributing to record-setting performances as a team. She was part of the groups that set the program's 18-hole scoring record twice, and helped establish new 36-hole and 54-hole scoring records by 15 shots, including a 2-under-par round of 70. She also posted rounds of 71 and 73 in tournament play. Beyond the scorecard, Parola held herself to a high standard from day one, earned the trust of her coaches and teammates, and brought a level of consistency that elevated the program.

Bennion Outstanding Performer Award: Dason Brooks

Dason Brooks emerged as one of the top offensive players in the Big Sky during the 2025 season, rushing for 1,007 yards and 10 touchdowns at 6.4 yards per carry, one of the top single-season rushing totals in program history. He earned Second Team All-Big Sky honors and saved his best game for the biggest moment, running for 219 yards and two touchdowns in a statement win over No. 6 UC Davis, the highest-ranked road victory in ISU history. When Brooks had the ball, defenses knew it and it rarely mattered.

Bengal ROAR Award: Nathan Reynolds

Nathan Reynolds is a hometown hero and the kind of player programs are built around. Named an all-conference linebacker this season, he was also selected as a team captain by his peers heading into the 2026 season, which says everything about the respect he has earned in that locker room. He recorded 81 tackles and was a central figure in the installation of a new defensive scheme that produced dramatic improvements across the board. Reynolds will be back to lead the Bengals again in 2026.

Bennion Outstanding Performer Award: Ashley Reeck

Ashley Reeck served as the team's top runner at four of six meets during the season, including the Pre-National Invite where she helped the Bengals defeat Purdue and Montana State. Her performance at the NCAA Mountain Region Championships represented the highest individual finish for an ISU woman since 2017, and helped lead the team to their best team finish at that meet since 2017 as well. Reeck's consistent excellence at the front of the pack made her the clear choice for the program's top individual honor.

Bengal ROAR Award: Kamber Scott

Kamber Scott had a breakout season highlighted by a standout performance at the Big Sky Conference Championships, where she placed 13th and helped the women's team to back-to-back fourth-place finishes. That back-to-back result is something the program had not accomplished since 2012. Scott's consistency throughout the year and her ability to deliver on the biggest stage made her an invaluable part of one of the strongest team seasons the program has seen in over a decade.

Bennion Outstanding Performer Award: Seth Babbel

Seth Babbel was the Bengals' top finisher at all six meets during the season, setting the course record at ISU's new cross country facility and placing in the top 25 at Pre-Nationals, where he helped the Bengals defeat Illinois, Kansas State, Nebraska, and Iowa. He also posted the highest individual finish for an ISU man at both the Big Sky Championships and the Mountain Region Championships since 2018. Babbel has written his name into the program's record books, and he was the clear choice for this award.

Bengal ROAR Award: Sunny Gunn

Sunny Gunn brought a team-first spirit and steady performances throughout the season that proved crucial when it counted most. His contributions during championship season helped the men's team to its highest conference finish since 2007. He saved his best race for the biggest stage, running his strongest performance of the year at the Mountain Region Championships to help the Bengals secure their best finish since 2018. His leadership, consistent effort, and selfless approach are exactly what the Bengal ROAR Award is designed to recognize.

Bennion Outstanding Performer Award: Tasia Jordan

Tasia Jordan established herself as one of the premier guards in the Big Sky Conference this season. The team's leading scorer, Jordan started all 30 games and averaged 15.3 points per game, highlighted by a career-high 30-point performance against Portland State. She scored 20 or more points seven times during the season, possessing one of the most difficult-to-defend pull-up jump shots in the conference and proving herself a genuine force on both ends of the floor.

Bengal ROAR Award: Cam Collman

Cam Collman has been the kind of leader every program hopes to find. A steady, fierce, and deeply invested presence throughout her Bengal career, Collman extended her impact well beyond the basketball court. As SAAC President, she has consistently used her platform to advocate for meaningful changes across the athletic department, improving the experience of student-athletes across all ISU sports. Respected by peers from every program, she has led with poise, passion, and unwavering commitment to those around her.

Bennion Outstanding Performer Award: Connor Hollenbeck

Connor Hollenbeck delivered a consistent and impactful career for the Bengals, finishing as the team's leading scorer at 13.7 points per game while also ranking second on the team in rebounds at 4.7 per game. His versatility and willingness to contribute in any way the team needed made him a reliable cornerstone of the program. Hollenbeck's work ethic and positive energy set the tone for those around him night in and night out across his Bengal career.

Bengal ROAR Award: Jamison Guerra

Jamison Guerra was a team captain and one of the most vocal and energizing leaders on the Bengal roster. He appeared in all 33 games, starting 28, and totaled 291 points with a team-leading 127 assists, numbers that reflect both his offensive contributions and his commitment to making his teammates better. As ISU's SAAC representative, Guerra has also shown a deep investment in the broader student-athlete community, including organizing a mental health and performance program for Bengal student-athletes.