Stephenson Named 2019 Wayne Duke Award Recipient

Nebraska men’s gymnast Anton Stephenson has been chosen as the second straight Nebraska male student-athlete to win the Wayne Duke Award. He is one of five Huskers in the past seven years to have claimed the award. The award is an annual scholarship recognizing one male and one female Big Ten senior for achievements in academics, athletics, extracurricular activities and leadership. Olivia Rosendahl of Northwestern University was chosen as this year’s Wayne Duke Award recipient on the female side.

“As we recognize these two student-athletes chosen for this scholarship, we also celebrate Wayne Duke’s contribution to the conference,” Jerry Semler, Chair of Wayne Duke Award Selection Committee said. “We acknowledge not only these students’ ability to perform on their perspective field of play, but also their commitment in the classrooms and extracurriculars."

Stephenson, who was selected as this year’s team captain of the Nebraska men’s gymnastics team, has helped lead the Huskers to back-to-back NCAA Championship Team Finals. He is a three-time Big Ten Champion, a two-time All-American and is the reigning U.S. Vault Champion.

“We are so pleased and honored for Anton to receive such a prestigious Big Ten award as the Wayne Duke postgraduate award,” said Chuck Chmelka, Husker men’s gymnastics head coach. “He has been a great representative of the team and the University in the gym, classroom and community. It’s been an honor to coach him along the way.”

Out of the gym, Stephenson is majoring in nutrition science and minoring in biochemistry. Currently, he holds a 3.97 GPA and has plans to continue his education at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, where he will specialize in ophthalmology. Stephenson is also an active member of the community, serving as the president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and volunteering with many community service organizations.

"I am extremely honored to be receiving this award," said Stephenson. "It would have never been possible without the countless resources provided by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, and I cannot thank my family, friends, teammates, coaches, and mentors enough for their strong support."

Stephenson will be recognized in Indianapolis, Ind., during the Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament on Saturday, March 9.