Northwestern University Athletics
Axler, Jenkins Win Vandy Christie Award
5/21/2003 12:00:00 AM | Men's Tennis
May 21, 2003
EVANSTON, Ill. - Seniors Josh Axler (Huntington, N.Y./Walt Whitman) and Jackie Jenkins (College Park, Ga./Westlake) and junior Ahmed Wahla (Lahore, Pakistan/Lahore American School) garnered team accolades at the annual Northwestern men's tennis awards ceremony.
Axler and Jenkins became the first co-winners of the Vandy Christie Award, given by the Baseline Club to the player who demonstrates outstanding loyalty and dedication to Northwestern tennis.
"Josh and Jackie have been a big part of our program over the past four years," said NU head coach Paul Torricelli. "It's fitting that they are the first co-winners of the Christie Award."
Wahla won the first Mark Johnson Award, presented to the player who demonstrates outstanding effort, commitment and desire to improve.
"Mark meant so much to all of us, and this award is a great way to honor a great coach and dear friend," Torricelli said. "Ahmed had the kind of attitude a coach looks for and became a better player this season. He pushed himself every day. Mark would approve."
The Vandy Christie Award was established in 1989 and is named in honor of former NU player, coach and administrator Vandy Christie. Christie played at NU from 1955-57 and returned to coach the Wildcats from 1976-83. In 1984, he was named the Director of Development, a position he held until 1990.
Mark Johnson served as an assistant coach at NU from 1988-92.
