In honor of the 80th annual Academy Awards held last Sunday, I’ve decided it’s time to give Hoosier athletes proper recognition for their work over the past year. As your resident IU sports columnist, I represent the entire body of voters in determining the winners, with all decisions being final. Here is a comprehensive list (with far less European representation) of our winners.
Actor in a supporting role: Tracy Porter, football \nWith all the hype surrounding the lethal combination of quarterback Kellen Lewis and wide receiver James Hardy, this superstar senior cornerback provided big plays for IU’s defense. Porter finished fourth on the team with 83 tackles and led the Hoosiers with six interceptions.
Actress in a supporting role: Katya Zapadalova, women’s tennis \nThis freshman has excelled for the Hoosiers in the No. 2 singles spot behind junior Alba Berdala. Zapadalova started her IU career with a 9-8 record in singles and 19-8 in doubles matches this season.
Visual Effects: Assembly Hall “Stripe Out” against Michigan State \nAfter much confusion about which colors to wear, IU Athletics got its act together and coordinated an awesome visual scene for the national television audience in IU’s romp over the Spartans. Think “Across the Universe” with a cream and crimson feel.
Art Direction: Any fan with an Eric Gordon “Space Jam” sign \nThis distinction is more of a worst than a best. Early on in the basketball season, the rumor about EJ being in the movie was proven false. Yet, at one game, an excited fan sitting in front of me showed up with three signs making Toon Squad references. After receiving boos when her sign went on the JumboTron, the fan bowed her head in shame. Remember fans, if you want to bring a sign to a game, make sure to fact-check before doing so.
Best Actor: Brandon Becker, wrestling \nThe senior has risen in the rankings to No. 4 in the 157-pound weight class. Those who have watched him wrestle know his flair for the dramatic, best exemplified in an unbelievable upset victory over No. 1 Mike Poeta of Illinois on senior day. Becker now looks to ride his momentum deep into the Big Ten and nationals for the young Hoosiers.
Best Actress: Kristin Arnold, women’s soccer \nIn a season where she lit up the scoreboard like it was the marquee at a Hollywood premiere, Arnold led the Hoosiers to a Sweet 16 appearance. The junior accounted for 10 goals and 24 points on her way to being nominated for the Umbro/Soccer News Net Player of the Year.\nBest Directing: Lin \nLoring, women’s tennis \nWhat else can be said about the man who is the first in his sport to reach 400, 500, 600 and 700 wins? Loring is a legend in collegiate women’s tennis, and his accomplishments are unmatched. He’s like Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski in that he always has great players who would bypass going to play somewhere warm in favor of learning under his tutelage.
Best Picture: IU Football \nIt’s hard to duplicate the story of what the Hoosiers went through between the passing of Coach Hep and going to its first bowl game since 1993. During the season, IU captivated the football nation with its hardships, all culminating with a three-point victory against nemesis Purdue to reclaim the Old Oaken Bucket. Once someone decides to adapt the story to the silver screen, I expect to hear some serious buzz at the Sundance Film Festival that this movie might actually earn one of those gold statues.
