Several Missouri Valley College student-athletes have earned weekly awards from the Heart of America Athletic Confernce.

Ashley Whetzal was named the Heart Women’s Wrestler of the Week after helping the No. 8 Viking women’s wrestling team to a 21-20 dual win at No. 15 St. Mary (Kan.). Whetzal, ranked No. 10 at 131 pounds, earned a 12-0 technical fall victory over Maci Pearson.

This is the first weekly award for Whetzal of the season, and the second of her career. Whetzal last won the award back in January 2023.

Also recognized was Cawhan Smith, who has been named the Heart Men’s Basketball Defensive Player of the Week after his performance to close the regular season. Smith produced seven steals and two defensive rebounds in an 85-75 win over Culver-Stockton (Mo.) to finish the regular season. His play defensively helped produce 15 turnovers in the game. This is the second weekly defensive award from the Heart for Smith this season. He last won the award back on November 25.

Up next, the Viking men’s basketball team will play in the quarterfinals of the Heart Postseason Tournament, as the No. 8 seed, and travel to Baldwin City, Kan., to meet No. 1 seed Baker (Kan.). The game is set for Wednesday at 7 p.m. The Viking women’s wrestling team will compete at the Heart Championship, Saturday, in Oskaloosa, Iowa.