Where good news shines

Air Force athletics honored several cadet-athletes for their accomplishments during the 2024-25 season Tuesday during a graduation awards ceremony at Clune Arena.

Gymnast Erich Upton was named Male Athlete of the Year after he was named the third All-American all-arounder in program history. He was also the program's first conference champion in the all-around.

Basketball standout Madison Smith was named Female Athlete of the Year after becoming Air Force's 19th player to score 1,000 career points and helping the Falcons an 18-15 record and seventh-place finish in the Mountain West.

Hockey goalie Guy Blessing was named Scholar-Athlete of the Year; tennis player Alexis Odom earned the Athletic Leadership award; the rifle team's Lauren Hurley earned the Athletic Excellence award; gymnast Patrick Hoopes earned the Athletic Achievement award.

("Colorado Sunshine" celebrates the good news in sports. Suggestions are encouraged through sports editor Paul Klee at [email protected].)