Northwestern University Athletics
Wahla Wins Vandy Christie Award; Hoeveler Bestowed Mark Johnson Award
6/11/2004 12:00:00 AM | Men's Tennis
June 11, 2004
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Senior Ahmed Wahla (Lahore, Pakistan/Lahore American School) and junior Justin Hoeveler (Ross, Calif./The Branson School) earned team accolades at Northwestern's annual men's tennis awards ceremony.
Awarded the inaugural Mark Johnson Award at the end of the 2003 season, Wahla was the 2004 recipient of the Vandy Christie Award.
"Ahmed was a natural choice," said NU Head Coach Paul Torricelli. "He was outstanding in the role of team captain and was everything a coach could hope for in a senior leader."
Presented to the player that demonstrates outstanding loyalty and dedication to Northwestern tennis, the Vandy Christie Award was established in 1989 and is named in honor of former Northwestern player, coach and administrator Vandy Christie. Christie played at NU from 1955-57 and returned to coach the Wildcats from 1976-83. Christie was named director of development in 1984 and held the position until 1990.
Hoeveler was the second recipient of the Mark Johnson Award, given to the player who demonstrates outstanding effort, commitment and desire to improve.
"This award is really about working hard and Justin displayed an amazing work ethic this year," Torricelli said. "Player development in tennis requires self motivation and drive and Justin has set the standard for the team to follow."
The Mark Johnson Award was established in 2003 and honors the former NU assistant coach.
Hoeveler was also elected by his teammates to serve as co-captain during the 2004-05 season along with senior Chuck Perrin (Atlanta, Ga./The Walker School).
