TAMPA, Fla. — The Sun Conference has announced its nominees for nine NAIA National Awards Day honors, as voted on by various advisory groups within the league, as Florida Memorial Univerrsity showcases dual-sport athlete David Buggs, who was selected as the SUN Conference nominee for the Dr. Leroy Walker Champions of Character award.

"Throughout his athletic career, I have been able to witness his growth which is fueled by his passion to solely be his best," said Florida Memorial University head football coach Michael Jones. "He has exemplified ways to creatively communicate and lead based on the group and / or individual he is working with. As a leader, he has battled various challenges of limited resources and never complains while doing so. David Buggs is a tremendous asset not only to the sport program he participates in, but to the University as a whole. He tends to make everyone he encounters better and always goes the extra mile to help others."

The Sun Conference's 2024–25 national award nominees include Christopher Hermann (AMU Cross Country/Track & Field) and Rylee Mills (CCGA Softball) for the A.O. Duer Award, and Jonathan Effertz and Emily Rapacz (AMU Men's and Women's Basketball) for the Emil S. Liston Award.

Also recognized are Buggs (FMU Football/Track & Field) for the Dr. Leroy Walker Award, Joe Patterson (AMU Football) as the Coach of Character nominee, and Southeastern Softball and Ave Maria Men's Basketball as the Team of Character selections. Rachel Wilkens (SEU) is the nominee for the Charles Morris Administrator of the Year Award.

"David Buggs is one of the most committed, diligent and hard working individuals you can find," said Florida Memorial University head track and field coach Dwayne Miller. "His interpersonal and organizational skills are exceptional. And to top it off, he's an excellent team leader."
"We congratulate each of our nominees on their outstanding accomplishments," Sun Conference Commissioner Dustin Wilke commented. "These individuals and teams represent our conference with the class and character that embody both The Sun Conference and the NAIA. We extend our best wishes to each of them as they are considered for national recognition."

Christopher Hermann of Ave Maria University has been selected as the conference's male nominee for the A.O. Duer Scholarship Award. A double major in Politics and Communications with a 3.97 GPA, Hermann was also named the league's inaugural Scholar-Athlete of the Year. He is a multi-year team captain, NAIA national qualifier, and the 2024 Cross Country Champion of Character. He also serves as Student Government President, leads the Fishers of Men faith household, and represents AMU nationally through the NAIA Association of Student-Athletes.

Rylee Mills of the College of Coastal Georgia is the female nominee for the A.O. Duer Scholarship Award. A 4.0 GPA student in the Education program, Mills is a two-time First Team All-Sun Conference selection and former Freshman of the Year. She's also been recognized as a Daktronics Scholar-Athlete and NFCA First Team All-Region honoree. Beyond the field, she leads in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, volunteers at youth camps, and works in her local school district—exemplifying the values of the A.O. Duer Award.

Jonathan Effertz of Ave Maria University is the male nominee for the Emil S. Liston Award, recognized for his academic excellence, leadership, and character. A multi-time All-Conference and Academic All-Conference selection, Effertz was named AMU's Student-Athlete of the Year and received the Champions of Character Award. He founded a faith-based basketball household and has served as a three-year team captain. His full-time role as roommate and caregiver to a disabled student-assistant exemplifies his servant leadership, as stated by head coach Jamon Copeland.

Emily Rapacz, also of Ave Maria, is the conference's female nominee for the Emil S. Liston Award. A four-year starter and team captain, Rapacz ranks in the program's top ten for rebounds and blocks. She holds a 3.93 GPA in biology, contributes to research, and is a Monaghan Founder Scholar—exemplifying leadership, discipline, and service, as noted in her nomination.

David Buggs of Florida Memorial University has been selected as the nominee for the Dr. Leroy Walker Award, honoring his leadership, character, and service as a two-sport student-athlete. A standout in football and track, Buggs leads with discipline and perseverance. Off the field, he serves in campus ministry and works as a sound engineer at the Lou Rawls Performing Arts Center. He balances academics, athletics, and ministry with humility and integrity, uplifting those around him, as noted by his coach.

Joe Patterson of Ave Maria University has been named the conference's Coach of Character for his commitment to developing men of virtue through faith, accountability, and service. His "Offseason Challenge" fosters character through Christian service, campus involvement, and peer accountability. A former player praised Patterson as a living example of faith, leadership, and fatherhood who inspires on and off the field.

Ave Maria University's Men's Basketball is this year's Male Team of Character, recognized for their commitment to servant leadership and community impact. As noted in their nomination, the 2025 Sun Conference Tournament champions completed 679 hours of community service during the academic year. Their efforts included volunteering at the Miami Soup Kitchen with the Missionaries of Charity, mentoring youth in Immokalee, serving at Grace Place and Ave Maria Parish, and spending time with seniors at Pineapple House. The team also took part in numerous campus-wide service initiatives, consistently demonstrating a culture of selflessness and character beyond the court.

Southeastern University Softball has been selected as the Female Team of Character for living out the NAIA's core values both on and off the field. As noted in their nomination, the team models integrity and servant leadership by mentoring new players, leading SEU's Faith on Fire ministry, volunteering at local schools and kids' clubs, and hosting free youth clinics. Known for consistently supporting fellow teams and taking pride in the small things, the Fire Softball team leads with purpose, humility, and a commitment to making a difference.

Rachel Wilkens, Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance at Southeastern University, is The Sun Conference's nominee for the Charles Morris Administrator of the Year Award. As stated in her nomination, Wilkens is the backbone of Fire Athletics, overseeing compliance, eligibility, academic advising, and NIL efforts. Known for her student-first mindset, she was named SEU's 2024–25 Staff Member of the Year and is widely respected for her professionalism, compassion, and leadership.

In addition to these awards, The Sun Conference also previously announced the following honors:

• Athletic Director of the Year: Kris Swogger, Keiser

• Athletic Trainer of the Year: Nicole Giha, St. Thomas

• Sports Information Director of the Year: Colena Roberts, SCAD Savannah

• Male Athlete of the Year: Blayne Huter, Webber International

• Female Athlete of the Year: Sydney Chura, SCAD Savannah

• Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year: Christopher Hermann, Ave Maria

• Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year: Ines Sommer, SCAD Savannah

All award winners, except for the league's SUN Athletes and Scholar-Athletes of the Year, will advance to the national pool. National winners will be announced on September 15.

More information on each award can be found [here].

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