Artemiy Nikitin – Men’s tennis
Both the Idaho men’s and women’s teams were on edge when Nikitin and his doubles partner, Cesar Torres, were competing in the final event of the day at the WAC Championships. Gridlocked at 3-3, the WAC Championship between Idaho and New Mexico State would be determined by the No. 3 doubles match, where Nikitin and Torres won 8-6. Nikitin also won his No. 2 singles match, beating Paul Denele 6-3, 7-5, putting himself in position to win the tournament with his doubles match.
Vicky Lozano – Women’s tennis
Lozano dominated for the women’s tennis program all season, and the WAC Championships in Las Cruces, N.M., were no different. She had a clean sweep, winning both of her No. 1 singles matches 6-2, 6-2, against Kansas City and 6-3, 6-2, against New Mexico State. Her No. 1 singles wins set the tone for the Vandals, who only dropped one match the entire tournament. The performance was so overwhelming, Idaho didn’t even have to play any doubles matches to clinch victories.
Leilanie Kim – Women’s golf
The Idaho women’s golf team wasn’t able to get it done, even with a lead heading into the final day, but it didn’t leave Arizona empty handed. Junior Leilanie Kim took home the individual WAC Championship. She shot an even-par 72 during the final day to win her individual championship with a 54-hole total 224. She has consistently been one of Idaho’s best players this season and will be a team leader with the Vandals entering the Big Sky Conference next season.
Richard Montgomery – Football
The speedy running back and wide receiver hybrid gave Idaho fans a preview of what could come on Saturdays in the fall, when he totaled three touchdowns during the Silver and Gold spring game on Friday night. Montgomery took two draw-plays up the middle, making cuts and making defenders miss rushing touchdowns of 15 yards and 61 yards. He also scored the first touchdown of the spring game when he took a Matt Linehan pass 61 yards for the score on a wheel route. Idaho coach Paul Petrino stated after the game how important it’s going to be for the program to get the ball in his hands in 2014, because of his speed. Montgomery ended the scrimmage with 80 yards receiving and 83 yards rushing.
Karlene Hurrel – Track and Field
Hurrel set the tone for Idaho’s 10 individual wins during the Cougar Invitational this weekend with two wins in the 100m and the 200m sprints with times of 12.23 seconds and 24.65, respectively. The senior from Canada is competing in her final outdoor season for the Vandals and will look to repeat her 100 individual win at the Vandal Jamboree May 10.