Orange Athletics: taking a look at this year’s ‘Cuse Awards winners

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 12: Syracuse Orange mascot Otto the Orange before a game against the Colgate Raiders at the JMA Wireless Dome on September 12, 2025 in Syracuse, New York. (Photo by Todd F. Michalek/Syracuse Athletics/University Images via Getty Images)

The end of the 2025-26 Syracuse Orange Athletics season is almost here, and an annual event returned to campus to honor the best players, teams, and moments that truly bled Orange.

From cross country and rowing to lacrosse and basketball, Syracuse student-athletes from across various sports programs were recognized at the 20th annual ‘Cuse Awards on Monday.

Cross country and track and field runner Emma Eastman, along with rower Cole Nordby, earned the top accolade of the night in the Soladay Award — the highest distinction given by Syracuse Athletics to highlight the best of the best Syracuse student-athletes.

The rowers and runners also picked up two other notable accolades of the night. Women’s rower Abby Rockwood took home the Syracuse 8 Courage Award, which honors the legacy of the Syracuse 8.

Then, the men’s cross country program took home team of the year honors after finishing in fourth place and earning their first podium finish in a decade at the 2026 NCAA Championships.

The best women’s team of the year went to Syracuse lacrosse, who are currently No. 8 overall in the nation with a 13-5 record, according to USA Lacrosse. Regy Thorpe, the of the program, also got Coach of the Year, along with men’s cross country and track coach Brien Bell.