Niles, Michigan (5-15-26) Today Niles handed out the end-of-year Senior athletic awards.

The Joseph Whitwam Sportsmanship Awards were presented to Ella Lujan, Madison Zache, and Chase Brawley.

The Joseph Whitwam Sportsmanship Award is an annual honor given to student-athletes at Niles High School (Vikings) in Niles, Michigan.

It recognizes outstanding sportsmanship, along with qualities like competitiveness, grit, hard work, and teamwork. Viking coaches vote on the recipients.

Joseph Whitwam served as Director of Athletics and a physical education teacher at Niles High School in the mid-20th century. He coached cross country/track, leading Niles teams to success in MHSAA events in the 1930s (e.g., state championships or strong placements in 1934–1936 and 1939). The award was established in his honor to celebrate character and sportsmanship.

The Ed Weede Male/Female MVP Athlete of the Year Awards were presented to Brenden Olsen and Nyla Hover.

Ed Weede

Niles High School

Ed gave thirty two years of service to high school athletics, as a coach and director of athletics.  He has also officiated for thirty years.  His teams have won six conference football championships.  His record in wrestling is an impressive 261 – 101.  Ed has been active in community work having been United Way Director for two years, supervised city recreation basketball programs, pass, punt, & kick director, and sponsored several wrestling clinics for the area youth.  He is a member of the B.P.O.E., Michigan Association and served on many M.H.A.A.A. committees.  He has also hosted many tournaments and meets for the M.S.H.A.A.

Ella, Madison and Nyla will all continue their volleyball careers at Southwestern Michigan College under our very own Jenny Nate.

Brenden will continue his baseball career at the University of Houston, while Chase will continue his football career at North Central College.

Related: Brenden Olsen of Niles High School Named MHSCA Rich Tompkins Multi-Sport Award Winner