MANSFIELD – Mansfield University seniors Owen Newkam-Ulrich and Bri Sicilia have been named the 2020-21 recipients of the Steve McCloskey Service Award, the athletic office announced on Wednesday, June 2.
 
Named in honor of longtime Mansfield Sports Information Director Steve McCloskey who retired during the spring of 2017, the award is presented annually to a student who embodies the Mansfield University spirit and provides exemplary service to the athletic department.
 
Sicilia and Newkam-Ulrich were student interns in the sports information office throughout the 2021 spring semester. The seniors were directly involved in live stating games, producing the Mountie All-Access live feed, producing and hosting Mounties Midweek shows, running camera, writing press releases, creating game day graphics, creating promotional graphics, working directly with coaches and more.
 
"We could not have pulled off a successful semester, especially a full year without live sports, without the help of Little (Bri) and Owen," Sports Information Director Owen Lukens said. "The duo went above and beyond to make our lives easier and will without a doubt be successful professionals in sports information."
 
This spring, Newkam-Ulrich provided assistance at the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Cross Country Championships, while Sicilia took full responsibility in running the photography portion of media days.
 
"Owen and Bri were instrumental in production of two professional studio shows," Assistant Sports Information Director Drew Patrick said. "They were willing to get out of their comfort zone and host a show, as well as assist in editing and posting. They were always eager to learn and grow, and they rose to meet the challenges head on."
 
Sicilia, a four-year member of the Mansfield University women's soccer team, graduated cum laude after earning Dean's List three times and PSAC Scholar athlete in 2019.
 
"No two days are alike in sports information, you could have to cover two games in one day or you could be sorting through 2,000+ pictures you took of a team the day before," Sicilia said. "There is always something fun and exciting to do whether you're in the office or the press box. I learned so much this semester from Owen and Drew including to truly believe in myself and my abilities to do a good job on projects that seemed overwhelming initially."
 
Newkam-Ulrich earned Dean's List twice and was awarded the Vernon Lapps Scholarship which a full-time Communications major who dedicate their talents to medias emerging technologies and position themselves to join the growing network of MU graduates gainfully employed at the nation's most successful media entities.
 
"It's become more than just a job for me, but a passion I enjoy waking up and work in every day," Newkam-Ulrich added.
 
Newkam-Ulrich and Sicilia both graduated in May with a Bachelor of Science degree in sports information and will persue careers in the field.