Student-athletes and their dates came out in droves, dressed to the nines for the sixth annual “EeeWoos” on May 28 at Showalter Auditorium.

This is an event run by the athletic department to celebrate the student-athletes for their accomplishments not only on the field, but also off. “EeeWoos” nominees and recipients are chosen by EWU Athletic Department coaches and staff.

The evening began with a social hour and pictures on the red carpet in the auditorium foyer.

Men were dressed in suits and ties, while the ladies wore nice dresses and even Swoop took part in the festivities wearing a sleek black suit and tie.

Following the social hour, attendees filed into the auditorium for the show to begin.

Dave Spencer, “Voice of the Eagles” and broadcaster for the EWU football team, kicked off the show by recapping each sport team’s season.

“We’ve had another awesome year for Eagle Athletics,” said Spencer before moving onto the awards.

The first awards were Female and Male Newcomer of the Year. They were presented to junior Catie Arrigoni from the track and field team and junior Drew Brandon from the men’s basketball team.

“It’s an honor and it’s not something you would expect, but it feels good,” Brandon said.

Brandon made an acceptance speech after being awarded, thanking his teammates and coaches. Arrigoni was unable to attend due to regionals for track, and her award was accepted by her teammates.

Senior Angelica Rodriguez was awarded the Student-Athletic Advisory Committee Triple Threat Citizen Award for her work as president of the SAAC and on the track and field and cross-country team.

Female and Male Freshman of the year was presented to track and field’s freshman Courtney Bray and football’s sophomore Cooper Kupp.

Bray was unable to accept to her award, but Kupp accepted his award and thanked the coaches and staff for pushing him to do his best.

Senior Keisa Monterola and junior Vernon Adams were awarded Best Female and Male Athlete of the year for excelling in track and field and in football.

“Shout out to my coaches for making me a good quarterback and remember Aug 23. Let’s go. Go Eags,” Vernon said in his short acceptance speech.

Just like the season, the football players were on a roll, named Best Team of the Year for their third advancement to the FCS semifinals in four years.

T.J. Lee III, a senior football player, was then chosen for Male Career Achievement Award and Aubrey Ashenfelter, a senior women’s basketball player, was chosen for Female Career Achievement Award for outstanding career at EWU.

The Female and Male Scholar-Athletes were seniors Ashley Wright and Ashton Miller for their scholastic achievements as student-athletes.

“It’s been such a blessing and a privilege to be acknowledged for my work over four years, especially having such great people that helped me get there,” Wright said.

The final award of the evening, Eagle for Leadership and Excellence, had a slight twist to it.

Director of Athletics Bill Chaves said that due to Dr. Rodolfo Arévalo’s hard work and dedication to the university, the award will now be renamed the Dr. Rodolfo Arévalo Award for Leadership and Excellence.

Track and field star senior Steven Warner was named the first recipient of the award.

Upon accepting the award, Warner put off his speech to first take  a selfie with Dr. Arévalo, Chaves and the audience.

Following the show, Warner said he felt honored to receive an award dedicated to Dr. Arévalo.

“To be the first person to get it feels incredible, especially [an award] that behind the name is leadership and excellence. It’s amazing to have the school really recognize those qualities. I really appreciate it. It’s hard to put into words. I am definitely going to treasure this for a while,” Warner said.