2022 Blaster Awards Nominees Announced

4/27/2022 9:27:00 AM

Below are the nominees for the 2022 Blaster Awards. The winners will be announced at an in-person, red-carpet, student-only ceremony on the evening of May 3 at Volk Gym.

The Blaster Awards were established in 2016 to honor the best in Mines Athletics. Through nominations and votes from Mines' head coaches, the 2022 edition will feature 14 awards given out.

Female Rookie of the Year

Awarded to an outstanding female athlete who is in their first year of eligibility (either true freshman or redshirt freshman). Transfers are not eligible unless they are a redshirt freshman.

2x RMAC Champion as part of the indoor and outdoor 4x400-meter relay and shatter the program record multiple times
2x First-Team All-RMAC (4x400), Second-Team All-RMAC (400m)
Listed six times in the indoor record book and five times in the outdoor record book as a true freshman (#3 all-time at Mines in the 60m, #4 in the 100m and 200m, #6 in the 400m)
2022 RMAC Co-Freshman of the Year
Made four finals at RMAC Championships with a best finish of 3rd in the 200-breast
Was all-RMAC in the 200-breast and 800-free relay
2021 RMAC Freshman of the Year, First-Team All-RMAC, and D2CCA Second-Team All-Region
Led Mines with eight goals and two assists as a true freshman
Had two two-goal games and scored seven of her eight goals in RMAC play
One of the RMAC's top true freshmen hitting .338 and slugging .450 in 2022
Started 27 games in 34 appearances driving in 12 RBI with 11 walks, six doubles, and 15 runs scored
Had seven multi-hit games in 2022
USTFCCCA All-Region, Second-Team All-RMAC
Finished #17 at the RMAC Championships, #18 in the South Central Region, #66 in the nation
Helped Mines' women finish #2 in the RMAC, #2 in the region and #4 in the nation

Male Rookie of the Year

Awarded to an outstanding male athlete who is in their first year of eligibility (either true freshman or redshirt freshman). Transfers are not eligible unless they are a redshirt freshman.

Starting outfielder for Mines Baseball with 32 appearances and 22 starts (as of May 3).
Through 32 games hitting .302 with 25 runs on 26 hits including five doubles, two triples and eight home runs along with 21 RBI.
Hit multiple home runs in two different games including the first start of his career.
NCAA qualifier as a true freshman at 141 pounds, the first Mines frosh to go to NCAA since 2013
First-Team All-RMAC as he went 26-7 to lead Mines in wins and falls (10)
Won the Doug Moses Open and was top-3 at four tournaments
2022 RMAC Freshman of the Year
Starter at center as a true freshman
Averaged 7.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks per game in 25 games played
2022 NCAA qualifier as a true freshman, swimming the 400-IM and 500-free
2022 RMAC Champion in the 400-IM
Set the program 400-IM record
Played all 14 games at wide receiver
Was 2nd on the team and 3rd in the RMAC with 10 touchdown catches in 2021
Caught 24 passes for 462 yards, and caught four TDs in three NCAA games
Played in 16 games at forward as a true freshman
Tied for #1 on the team with 6 goals including two game-winning goals while going 1-for-1 on penalty kicks
Helped Mines win its record fifth straight RMAC Regular Season Championship

Female Academic Athlete of the Year

Awarded to the most outstanding female scholar-athlete, with a combination of athletic and academic achievement taken into consideration.

NCAA Elite 90 winner for indoor track & field for the second straight year
RMAC Academic Athlete of the Year for indoor track & field and cross country, 2x RMAC Summit Award in 2021-22.
3x USTFCCCA All-American between cross country and track & field, finishing #6 in the nation in the indoor 5K and #10 in the nation in the indoor 3K, and #25 in XC
CoSIDA Second-Team Academic All-America
AVCA Honorable Mention All-America and AVCA First-Team All-Region, Second-Team All-RMAC and RMAC First-Team All-Academic
259 kills while hitting .287, ranking #11 in the RMAC, surpassing 1,000 kills for her career - 1,278 ranking #8 all-time at Mines.
CoSIDA First-Team Academic All-America, the first player in program history with multiple Academic All-America Awards.
Mines' all-time scoring leader and tied the program record for points in a game, and is listed 33 times in the program record book
First-Team All-RMAC, RMAC First-Team All-Academic, D2CCA Second-Team All-Region, and CoSIDA Academic All-District
2021 CoSIDA Third-Team Academic All-America
RMAC Goalkeeper of the Year had a 0.71 GAA and .852 save percentage with eight shutouts
D2CCA Second-Team All-Region, First-Team All-RMAC, and RMAC All-Tournament Team
First-Team All-America in the 1650-free and Honorable Mention All-America in the 1000-free
RMAC Co-Swimmer of the Year and All-RMAC in four events
RMAC First-Team All-Academic
Hit a team-best .385 with a .458 OBP, 23 RBI, 10 doubles, and 19 walks
RMAC's hardest batter to strike out this season with 5 in 135 at-bats
Ended season on a 23-game on-base streak

Male Academic Athlete of the Year

Awarded to the most outstanding male scholar-athlete, with a combination of athletic and academic achievement taken into consideration.

CoSIDA First-Team Academic All-America and United Soccer Coaches' Scholar All-America
United Soccer Coaches' and D2CCA Second-Team All-Region, First-Team All-RMAC
Started 17 matches and played 1,461 minutes on the way to 8 shutouts and a RMAC title
As of May 3 batting .422 with 40 runs on 70 hits including 24 doubles and 11 home runs with 47 RBI
Broke the program records for home runs and total bases in a game with four HR at NMHU
Leads the team in hitting, runs, doubles, home runs and RBI, and ranks #1 in the nation in total doubles
RMAC Academic Runner of the Year in XC and the RMAC XC Freshman of the Year
USTFCCCA All-Region, All-Academic in XC, First-Team All-RMAC for the indoor 5K
Ranked #8 in the nation in the 10K, #15 in the nation in the 5K and #28 in the 3K
2022 RMAC Academic Swimmer of the Year
2022 RMAC Summit Award winner
Finished sixth in the RMAC 1650- and 500-freestyle events
RMAC First-Team All-Academic
Team's starter at 197 pounds going 8-8
Was 5-1 in RMAC duals
2021 CoSIDA Second-Team Academic All-America
Team's receiving leader in catches (63) and yards (827) with seven touchdowns
Also named First-Team All-NFFCC and Honorable Mention All-RMAC
2021 Blaster Awards Academic Athlete of the Year and NABC All-District
2022 Second-Team Academic All-America and RMAC Academic Player of the Year
Averaged 15.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.3 steals per game in 2021-22, earning First-Team All-RMAC

Comeback Player of the Year

Awarded to an athlete, male or female, who overcame injury, illness, or other adversity, to perform at a high level this season

Tyler Blomster played what he thought would be his senior season in 2020 before it was cut short by COVID-19. He eventually underwent reconstructive elbow surgery (Tommy John) and sat out the 2021 season. In 2022 he has returned and become the RMAC's all-time leader in wins and strikeouts. As of May 3, Blomster is 7-2 with a 2.50 ERA and one save thanks to 60 strikeouts in 68.1 innings and 11 appearances. He has also tossed three complete games including two shutouts.
Beau tore his Achilles’ tendon in 2018 and missed the 2019 season. Battled back as a starter in 2021 and helped team get to the NCAA semis before suffering another season ending injury.
Krause fell while climbing at North Table with teammates in August and severely sprained his ankle. He was unable to kick until January, yet he still managed to be a part of the NCAA provisional cut earning 200 Free Relay. At NCAA’s he broke the elusive 20.00 second barrier going 19.83.
Annie fell down her stairs at home last summer tripping over her new puppy and tore her rotator cuff. After a few months of trying to rehab and rest it, it was determined she had to have surgery to repair it in August. She was diligent with her rehab all year and was cleared to swim in her first meet in January, however due to a covid close contact she was unable to swim in our last regular season meet. So, her first meet in 1 calendar year was the RMAC championships where she WON the 100 FLY for her 2nd time (she is a sophomore so 2/2), she also was on all of our top scoring relays.
Perry chronically dislocated (or subluxed) both shoulders during the 2019-20 season. After season (May 2020), he had his first surgery to repair the labrum and capsule in his left shoulder. Three months later (August 2020) he had the same surgery on his right shoulder. He was told at 6 months he could progress back to wrestling. He began his progression in March of 2021 when season was over. He spent the rest of the year and summer working on strength and getting back into wrestling. He returned to competition this season in November 2021 and earned a starting role at the 197 weight class this season with 6 duals wins and a 9-9 overall record.
Underwent ankle surgery in the fall of 2021. Returned to competition by late January of 2022 and eventually tied the program indoor high jump record and finished #2 at the RMAC Indoor Track & Field Championships and #5 at the RMAC Outdoor Track & Field Championships.

SAAC Community Impact Award

The SAAC Community Impact award is voted upon by the membership of SAAC to recognize the outstanding community service by either one student-athlete, a group, or a team.

Past President of SAAC, oversees 4 community chairs, liaison of athletics community to campus, spearheading the athletics/campus activities, speaker at Convocation Fall 2021, bridge the gap between athletes and campus, leader in community service events, organized the Welcome BBQ (fall) for all athletes with estimated 400 participants, same participation for Athlete Formal (April) which she lead and organized and encouraging athletes to support other athletes.
KJ is nominated by the Mines Wrestling SAAC Reps for approximately 30 hours of volunteering which included work with the Golden Rotary Club, Be A Tool Project, Move-In Day, and other campus affiliated events.
Sean runs a non-profit, Campus Grocer, aimed at feeding the less fortunate as well as providing Mines student-athletes with reduced-cost groceries.
The Mines swimming program continued its relationship with Team IMPACT this year and has worked with two families over the past four years. In 2021-22, the team's relationship with Team IMPACT earned them a finalist spot for the NCAA's Award of Excellence recognizing outstanding community service.

Female Oredigger Excellence Award

Awarded to a female senior who has completed their eligibility and has distinguished themselves in an outstanding manner in achievement, leadership, and school spirit over the course of their Mines careers.

Maddie was our team captain for the past 2 seasons – leading through an incredibly tough with time covid protocols. She maintained her composure and team spirit despite the difficulties of that time. She was also the Student Rec Center building manager for the past 4 years; teaching assistant in Design I; treasurer of the ice cream club, member of the American society of civil engineers and SWE. She is well known on campus for being friendly, approachable and kind. On our team she has earned the hardest worker/above & beyond award and the most improved award.
Five-year starter, just under 4.0 student, volleyball’s academic liaison (helping VB athletes with all things regarding school), lead by example on and off the court, supporter of other athletic sports on campus.
Sierra stepped into a leadership position on the team this past fall as she became a captain on the way to being a USC Scholar All American. She grew as a person and athlete during the season, supporting her teammates whenever possible. She always had an encouraging word for a team member, even while making sure she was sharp in her own position. Sierra's calm way of serving her team was a source of strength throughout the season.
Courtney has been a 3 year captain for us and has really been a fantastic leader on and off the court. Her consistency within her leadership throughout this season was huge part of our success. Not only did she have a huge impact on our season this year, but Courtney is always out supporting the other student athletes. She really embraces what it means to be an Oredigger with her leadership and commitment to Mines.
Nominated by Head Coach Matt Sparks.

Male Oredigger Excellence Award

Awarded to a male senior who has completed their eligibility and has distinguished themselves in an outstanding manner in achievement, leadership, and school spirit over the course of their Mines careers.

Robert loves Mines swimming so much that even after graduating in 3 years (which was his plan to save money), he decided to go to grad school at Mines so he could compete for a 4th year. He was unanimously elected captain by his peers and took the leadership role of captain very seriously. Robert was a leader in the pool having been a scorer at NCAA’s the year prior. He only didn’t make NCAA”s this year because he broke both wrists 1 week before the RMAC championship, yet he kept a great attitude and swam through excruciating pain for his last meet because he loves his team and his school.
Weston (3x All-American) took pride in leading by example as a Mines Wrestler. His senior season was different… he stepped up vocally in the practice room and at competitions elevating expectations of everyone around him. When Weston spoke, his teammates listened and his dedication to both athletics and academics showed with high performances in both areas. Weston is one of the most accomplished wrestlers in the program. Our coaching staff and team will truly miss his passion to compete at the highest level.
Gabe was a journeyman as a player. He traveled since he was a sophomore but didn’t start until he was a senior. As a senior Gabe was a captain and the leader of our team and defense. Gabe was the most vocal of our seniors and provided a great example of team leadership to our freshmen.
George Marchant was team captain for Mines Soccer record breaking 5th consecutive RMAC title. George is a model leader, both on and off the field. George is extremely hard working and dedicated to a positive team culture. He is never seeking individual accolades but only the greatness of the program. He has grown into a player that the coaches and team depend on, with a toughness and tenacity that was required. George is a selfless individual whose greatest quality is to lead by example and guide others to be their best. There was never a training session or match where I ever questioned his passion or willingness to do what the team needed. George was second on the team in minutes with 1528 on the year. His lone goal was the game winner in overtime vs #11 ranked Seattle Pacific University. George is the consummate Oredigger, succeeding both on and off the field in every facet of his time here.
Mitchem helped the Orediggers win a National title in 2019, and was also part of teams that finished 2nd and 3rd at the NCAA Cross Country Championships. Mitchem is a 4x All-American between Cross Country and Track, and holds the school record in the 3,000m Steeple Chase. The way he has handled injuries and setbacks is inspiring to his teammates. He has been a strong leader during his career.
Nominated by Head Coach Matt Sparks.
Toby is a 2nd generation Mines alum. He came into the program as a LHP after some injuries and health concerns he reinvented himself in to a hitter and also played 4 positions. Served on SAAC , participated in many community service activities and has been our leader for 3 seasons.

Female Iron Digger Award

Awarded to two seniors, one male and one female, who has demonstrated unparalleled dedication to physical preparation. Candidates will have been at the forefront of their team’s training in both personal improvement and leadership, exemplifying what it means to work behind the scenes. Candidates must have appeared in at least 50% of their team's competitions. This award is voted on by the strength & conditioning staff.

Male Iron Digger Award

Female Athlete of the Year

Awarded to the most outstanding female athlete of the year

2x All-American for indoor track & field, finishing #6 in the nation in the indoor 5K and #10 in the indoor 3K, and a Cross Country All-American finishing #25 in the nation as Mines' women finished #4 as a team.
Set the program record for the 3K and 5K during the indoor season, shattered the program record for the 10K and 5K during the outdoor season, and currently ranks #6 in the nation for the 10K and #17 in the 5K.
Won the NCAA Elite 90 Award for indoor track & field for the second straight year and was the 2x RMAC Academic Athlete of the Year for XC and indoors.
Center back for one of the nation's best defenses that allowed only 0.73 goals and 11.4 shots per game
Ultra-durable player was on the field for all but six minutes of the season
Scored a goal in the RMAC Tournament quarterfinals and had an assist in the regular season
2x All-American finishing 8th in the NCAA 1650-free and 12th in the 1000-free
RMAC Co-Swimmer of the Year and All-RMAC in four events
Became first Mines women's swimmer to finish on the podium in the 1650-free
RMAC Defensive Player of the Year and Second-Team All-RMAC, and 2x RMAC Defensive Player of the Week
Ranked #1 in the nation in total steals and steals per game
Broke the program record for single-season steals and steals in a game twice, and set the RMAC record for steals in a game with 14
AVCA Second-Team All-American, AVCA First-Team All-Region and D2CCA First-Team All-Region.
RMAC Setter of the Year and First-Team All-RMAC, and RMAC Tournament MVP leading Mines to the title
4x RMAC Setter of the Week, and is listed 17 times in the program record books including second-most service aces in a season and #2 all-time in assists

Male Athlete of the Year

Awarded to the most outstanding male athlete of the year

As of May 3: 7-2 with a 2.50 ERA and 1 save in 11 appearances, 60 Ks in 68.1 IP.
All-Time RMAC wins leader and strikeouts leader, and is the active career leader in all of NCAA Division II in wins and ranks #2 in innings pitched and #3 in strikeouts.
3x Regional and 3x RMAC Pitcher of the Week this season
NCAA Championships qualifier in three events
All-RMAC in three events including First-Team as the RMAC silver medalist in the 100-fly
Set program records in the 200-IM, 100-fly, and 200-fly
NCAA All-American finishing 4th at heavyweight as a senior, his third consecutive all-America finish
Went 23-4 overall to earn First-Team All-RMAC for the fourth consecutive season
Ranked as high as #3 nationally in his weight class
United Soccer Coaches Second-Team All-America and D2CCA Second-Team All-America
Ranked #5 in the nation in total assists and #11 in assists per game
First-Team All-Region for United Soccer Coaches and D2CCA, First-Team All-RMAC and RMAC All-Tournament
USTFCCCA First-Team All-America in the 5K (NCAA silver medalist) for indoor track & field, RMAC Indoor Track Athlete of the Year, and RMAC Champion in the 10K.
Set the all-time D-II record in the indoor 5K
RMAC and Regional XC Champion by a combined 47 seconds to earn RMAC XC Runner of the Year, and has been a 5x RMAC Athlete of the Week and 2x National Athlete of the Week this year
Harlon Hill Trophy finalist (D-II national player of the year) and earned all-America awards from AFCA, D2CCA, AP, D2football.com, and Don Hansen's Gazette
Rushed for 1,608 yards and 21 TDs and tied the Mines record with 26 total touchdowns to co-lead NCAA D-II in scoring
Rushed for 100+ yards in 11 games and had 100+ total yards in 13 of 14 games to lead Mines to NCAA semifinals

Coaching Staff of the Year Finalists

Awarded to the most outstanding coaching staff of the year

RMAC Coach of the Year
25-6 overall, 19-3 RMAC (most wins in program history)
RMAC Regular Season Champion and RMAC Tournament semifinalist
NCAA Tournament qualifier
Men
RMAC Coach of the Year and South Central Region Coach of the Year
RMAC Champions and NCAA South Central Regional Champions
Finished #3 at the NCAA Division II Championships
Women
Finished #2 at RMAC Championships
Finished #2 at the NCAA South Central Regional Champions
Finished #4 at the NCAA Division II Championships
NFFCC Colorado Coach of the Year
12-2 record, 8-1 RMAC (tied program record for wins)
NCAA Championship semifinalist (first time in program history), NCAA regional champion (first time in program history), RMAC co-champion
Finished season ranked #3, highest poll ranking ever
RMAC Coach of the Year
14-4-2 overall, 9-0-1 RMAC
Won fifth straight RMAC regular-season title
NCAA Tournament Second Round
Women's RMAC Coach of the Year and Men's RMAC Coach of the Year
Men and women both finished #2 in the RMAC
Qualified a total of three individuals and one relay to NCAA Championships
Two All-America finishes
8-2 overall record, 6-1 RMAC in duals
Qualified three to NCAA Championships with two all-Americans
11th-place NCAA finish the program's best since 1996

Team of the Year Finalists

Awarded to the most outstanding team of the year

25-6 overall, 19-3 RMAC
RMAC Regular Season Champion and RMAC Tournament semifinalist
NCAA qualifier
Best season in program history
RMAC Champions
NCAA South Central Regional champions
Finished #3 at NCAA Division II Championships
12-2 record, 8-1 RMAC (tied program record for wins)
NCAA Championship semifinalist (first time in program history)
NCAA regional champion (first time in program history), RMAC co-champion
Finished season ranked #3, highest poll ranking ever
14-4-2 overall, 9-0-1 RMAC
Won fifth straight RMAC title
NCAA Tournament Second Round
26-4 overall, 16-2 RMAC
RMAC Tournament Champions
NCAA Tournament First Round
Ranked as high as #6 in AVCA poll
8-2 overall record, 6-1 RMAC in duals
Qualified three to NCAA Championships with two all-Americans
11th-place NCAA finish best since 1996