Minnesota Athlete of the Year Finalists
Big Ten Directors of Athletics approved a recommendation of the sports information directors to establish a Big Ten Athlete of the Year named for Jesse Owens, Big Ten - Jesse Owens Athlete of the Year Award beginning in 1982. Indiana track performer Jim Spivey was the initial award winner.
In 1983, the Directors of Athletics approved a separate athlete of the year award for women's athletics. In 1991-92, the women's award was renamed the Big Ten - Suzy Favor Athlete of the Year award as part of the celebration of the 10th anniversary of women's athletics in the Conference.
| 1982 |
Brian Meeker, gymnastics |
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| 1983 |
Randy Breuer, basketball |
Robin Huebner, gymnastics |
| 1984 |
Joey Ray, gymnastics |
Jody Eder, track |
| 1985 |
Dave Morrisson, track |
Laura Coenen, basketball |
| 1986 |
Ron Backes, track and field |
Diane Wallner, swimming |
| 1987 |
Collin Godkin, gymnastics |
Sue Roell, swimming |
| 1988 |
Darrell Thompson, football |
Eileen Donaghy, track/cross country |
| 1989 |
Mike Zechmeister, swimming |
Kate Hughes, golf |
| 1990 |
Dan Wilson, baseball |
Marie Roethlisberger, gymnastics |
| 1991 |
Brent Gates, baseball |
Rachel Lewis, track and field |
| 1992 |
John Roethlisberger, gymnastics |
Trina Thames, swimming |
| 1993 |
*John Roethlisberger, gymnastics |
Laurie Nelson, diving |
| 1994 |
Omar Douglas, football and track |
Carol Ann Shudick, basketball |
| 1995 |
P.J. Bogart, diving |
Kara Martin, diving |
| 1996 |
Bernie Zeruhn, swimming |
Tanya Schuh, swimming |
| 1997 |
Bobby Jackson, basketball |
#Gretchen Hegener, swimming |
| 1998 |
James McLean, golf |
Jennifer McElmury, soccer |
| 1999 |
Tim Hartung, wrestling |
Shannon Beeler, softball |
| 2000 |
Tyrone Carter, football |
Aubrey Schmitt, track and field |
| 2001 |
Ben Hamilton, football |
Aubrey Schmitt, track & field |
| 2002 |
*Jordan Leopold, Ice Hockey |
Lindsay Whalen, Basketball |
| 2003 |
Adam Steele, track & field |
Shani Marks, track & field |
| 2004 |
Damion Hahn, wrestling* |
Lindsay Whalen, basketball |
| 2005 |
Guillermo Alvarez, gymnastics |
Krissy Wendell, ice hockey |
| 2006 |
Greg Eslinger, football |
Laura Johnson, gymnastics |
| 2007 |
Cole Konrad, wrestling* |
Heather Droniden, track |
| 2008 |
Jayson Ness, wrestling |
Heather Dorniden, track |
* Big Ten Jesse Owens Athlete of the Year # Big Ten Suzy Favor Athlete of the Year
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