Courtney Van Haaften | Sports Co-Editor

Senior basketball player, Wes Nordquist, has recently been named a finalist for the Jostens Trophy. The Jostens Trophy is awarded to both a men and women’s Division III basketball player who shows outstanding talent not only on the basketball court but also in his or her respective community and in the classroom.

There were 10 men’s basketball players across the country that were named by the Rotary Club of Salem, Virginia as finalists for this esteemed award. Being a finalist is a tremendous accomplishment in Division III athletics.

“It’s a complete honor because it’s the most prestigious award you can win in Division III basketball. It’s a good feeling to be recognized as one of the best. It’s something I’ve wanted to be recognized for since I came here as a freshman, especially after [Head Men’s Basketball] Coach Van Haaften told me it was a possibility,” Nordquist said.

Nordquist has had a lot of motivation from his coaches, teammates, and former players throughout the years. Two people he looks up to have also been nominated for the award: alumni Adam Jones in 2002 and Eric Wiebers in 2005. Jones went on to win the award in 2002.

“I’ve known Adam since I was in high school. Adam actually told me about Buena Vista when I was looking at schools. I think of Adam as one of the best players to ever play at BVU,” Nordquist said.

Eric Wiebers served as Nordquist’s assistant coach in his first three years in the program.

“Coach Wiebers had an impact on me as well as Adam because while he was coaching, he motivated me to realize I could go for the award,” Nordquist said.

Nordquist also has his coaches and teammates from throughout the years to thank.

“It’s an individual award, but it’s so much about winning as a team. My teammates have been great, and they deserve recognition too,” Nordquist said.

There have now been three Jostens Trophy finalists that have played under Van Haaften.

“This is the best honor a Division III player can have. It tells you how good of a career he has had. I am proud of him. He is not only a fantastic player but an even better person and teammate,” Van Haaften said.

The winner will be named on March 15, and a presentation for the winners will be held on March 21st in Salem, Virginia.
Photo courtesy of Steven Phelps