Sofia Chichaikina & Noah Vedral earn Big Ten Outstanding Sportsmanship Award

Sofia Chichaikina & Noah Vedral earn Big Ten Outstanding Sportsmanship Award

Over the last few years, Sofia Chichaikina and Noah Verdal have been critical pieces to the success of Rutgers swimming and football. On Tuesday, they were recognized for their efforts and named winners of the Big Ten Outstanding Sportsmanship Award. The honor is given to athletes who have distinguished themselves through sportsmanship and ethical behavior.

During her time at Rutgers, Chichaikina made program history. Her resume includes five school records, four Rutgers Aquatic Center pool records, and 10 Big Ten Championship podium finishes. She also holds the school record in the 100 free and with the 400 free, 800 free, and 200 medley relays.

Additionally, at the 2023 Big Ten Championships, Chichaikina helped Rutgers to its highest point total since joining the league. She reached the podium four times, including a seventh-place performance with the 200-medley relay team.

While Vedral did not reset the record books like Chichaikina, he still made an unforgettable impact on Rutgers football. The Nebraska native ranks seventh in program history in completions (337) and total offense (3,876). Vedral also claimed the team’s Big Ten Sportsmanship Award the past two years and did not hesitate to give back to the community.

Vedral participated in numerous projects for Chop4Change, a Rutgers football initiative to spread a message of unity and equality. He also participated in the Special Olympics opening ceremony and Saturdays in Motion at the YMCA Somerset Hills.

Although Chichaikina and Vedral will always be remembered for their impacts on their respective sports, this award goes beyond the swimming pool and football field. It is a testament to how they affected those around them on a daily basis.

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