Gerk Receives Whitlock Heart Award

This award, voted on by the coaches and the players, is given to a Plainswomen basketball player each year who her peers believe defines 'heart.'

This award honors the memory of a young woman named Andi Whitlock, who played at NJC from 2001-2003.   Andi was part of a team that won the Region IX title and made a trip to the National Tournament.  Tragically, her life was cut short when she died from injuries sustained in a vehicle accident in 2004.

Andi was a girl with outstanding character and resolve and was a friend to many and loved the game of basketball.  She practiced as hard as she played in games and they said she had a smile that would light up New York.  She had a demeanor that would carry the team and according to friends, family and teammates, she wasn't always the best player in talent; she was the best player in using the talent she had.

Following her death, a fellow student, John Wilson of Fort Collins, who played baseball at NJC purchased the beautiful wood plaque which is on permanent display and bears the names of each year's winner.

Also, following Andi's death, a wonderful group of cattlemen, called Feeders and Friends, honored her memory by raising over $30,000 dollars in scholarships to NJC students.

Megan Gerk (Haxtun, CO) was the receipient of the award that was presented to her by Amber Whitlock.