Eagle Impact: 1st Annual Athletic Banquet

DUBUQUE, Iowa - Emmaus Athletics celebrated its first annual banquet this Spring and gave thanks for God's goodness and provision during the 2021-22 seasons.  Each coaching staff recognized the athletic achievements and ministry investments of Emmaus student-athletes this year. 

The semi-formal evening was warmly received by the Emmaus athletes, coaches, support staff and administration.  The banquet featured game photos, speeches, and special awards over a wonderfully catered meal by the Emmaus Food Services department.

Emmaus Athletic Director, Chris McHugh, opened the night by encouraging guests to pause and reflect on the many challenges and perseverance required over the past 2 years, in order to fully appreciate the experiences of the 2021-22 seasons.

"We have much to be thankful for, and the Lord is the one who deserves our thanks and praise!  Pause with me for one moment, and consider the collegiate athletic environment that you find yourself a part of.  

"God has guided and brought you here for this season of life, according to His purpose and will.  He is using YOU to impact others.  And you are being IMPACTED by your teammates, coaches, professors, and folks in our community that will direct and shape your adult life.

"I share all of this to remind us how blessed we are to have experienced this year, 2021-22, with one another and the Lord, as we celebrate tonight."

As the evening progressed, each of the head coaches spoke along with selected Emmaus student-athletes: Leela Fernandes, Lydia Johnson, Zach Ort, Joe Rauch, Verah Banasky, Lexi Taylor, Riley Harding, and Dylan Anderson.  

Encouraging his peers to press ahead with purpose and passion, Joe Rauch, a junior on the men's soccer team, shared, "Going forward it needs to be paramount that we're always focusing on Christ and creating a culture that people want to be a part of." 

The evening concluded with the awarding of the 2021-22 Eagle Impact Award, presented to one female and one male student-athlete who made a difference on campus, during games, and throughout the Dubuque community in the following 4 areas: 

• Athletic excellence and honors 

• Academic excellence and honors

• Leadership character and actions 

• Christian character and ministry/service

This year's recipients were senior Verah Banasky of the Women's Volleyball program, and junior Dylan Anderson from the Men's Basketball program. 

Congratulations to Verah, Dylan and to all of the 2021-22 Emmaus Eagles student-athletes!

Verah Banasky

• 2019 - 2nd team All-Region

• 2021 - Honorable Mention All-Region

• 2021 Scholar Athlete

• 2021 Team Captain 

• 2021 - Emmaus "Barnabas Award" 

• 2020-21 - Resident assistant

• Dean's list every semester

• Winter Banquet committee member

• Youth leader and Sunday school teacher at local church

• Taught 3rd-5th grade at ACC in previous years

Dylan Anderson

• Appeared in 31 games

• Led team with 58 3-point field goals

• Key contributions throughout regional and national tournament run

• Positive attitude & vocal leader

• Leads by example with consistent work ethic and work rate

• Demonstrated perseverance throughout the season

• Strong GPA

• Serves alongside the MBB team, plus additional opportunities at the Dream Center

• Active gameday worker during Volleyball and Soccer events

• Vocal supporter and "champion" of Emmaus Athletics and Christ-centered competitive environment

Interested in becoming an Emmaus Eagle athlete?  Complete an Eagles Recruiting Form to begin the conversation!

Emmaus is a fully-accredited four-year college offering more than 20 professional and ministry-related degrees. Our athletic teams compete in the NCCAA Division II and the Midwest Christian College Conference. 

CHRIST-CENTERED EDUCATION

UNCOMPROMISED BIBLICAL TEACHING

VALUABLE PROFESSIONAL DEGREES

Educating & Equipping Learners to Impact the World for Christ