
In the spring of each year, all head coaches at Coe nominate candidates for the award. From this slate of candidates, a committee votes to select the outstanding male and female athlete. The designation of "Outstanding Athlete" reflects achievement in athletics within the philosophy of NCAA Division III and is a fitting way to recognize the accomplishments of the young people nominated. In 2001, the award was renamed after Barron Bremner in honor of his many years of outstanding service to the college, its students and the community. Barron Bremner was also John's wrestling coach.
In addition to providing annual awards to the top six athletes at Coe, the endowment fund provides financial support for special programs for Coe athletic teams in honor of the award recipients. In recognition of all Coe athletes, as exemplified by the athletic excellence of the outstanding award winners named annually and the career accomplishments of Barron Bremner, the fund has helped support a women's basketball trip to the Las Vegas Classic, southern track and field trips for men and women, Colorado and Florida wrestling trips, a women's and men's swimming winter training trip, a Colorado soccer trip and a Florida softball trip. Further, the endowment annually provides financial support for a formal awards banquet and program for the recipients and their families.
The Barron Bremner Outstanding Female Athlete and the Barron Bremner Outstanding Male Athlete each receive an inscribed medallion bearing the likeness of Barron Bremner embedded in a Lucite pyramid. The four other finalists each receive an inscribed medallion in a presentation case.
| Male Winner | Year | Female Winner |
| Clayton Rush |
2011![]() |
Keelie Finnel |
| Clayton Rush |
2010![]() |
Keelie Finnel |
| Pat Richmond |
2009![]() |
Ashley Leonard |
|
Tyler Burkle
|
2008 |
Molly Fiala |
|
Jared Creason |
2007 |
Amber Karkosh |
|
Mike McCabe |
2006 |
Chris Engel |
|
Joe Brannen |
2005 |
Amy Ernst |
|
Nick Barnes |
2004 |
Jenna Boerboom |
|
Fredrick Jackson |
2003
|
Tiffany Foster |
|
Fredrick Jackson, Football, Track/Field |
2002
|
Jamie Dalbey, Basketball, Softball |
|
Johnny Watson, Tennis |
2001 |
Laci Palar, Volleyball and Basketball |
|
Zak Gordon, Football and Wrestling |
2000 |
Paige Stamp, Softball |
|
Kevin O'Donnell, Tennis |
1999 |
Erica Struckmann, Soccer |
|
Brian Collier, Football, Track and Field |
1998 |
Emily Schultz, Volleyball and Basketball |
|
Ray Neosh, Football, Track and Field |
1997 |
Beth Cook, Diving |
|
Jon Turbett, Tennis |
1996 |
Shelly Howe, Basketball and Softball |
|
Carey Bender, Football |
1995 |
Nikki Claussen, Volleyball, Track and Field |
THE STROHM FAMILY ENDOWMENT
John D. Strohm '79 and his wife, Mary Pat Link, graciously established the Strohm Family Endowment in 1995. The purposes of the endowment are: (i.) to promote and recognize achievement attained by both male and female students who attend the college; (ii.) annually bestow an award upon a male and female student of the college who epitomize achievement in athletics; and, (iii.) independently of the award, establish an endowment for the college to fund capital improvements and provide special funding for athletic teams to supplement the annual athletic budget. Through this expansive generosity, the college has been the benefactor of several visionary capital projects, including The Grotto climbing room and sauna in Eby Fieldhouse and the recently completed patio and windows installed to Coe's Natatorium. In addition, John's support for his alma mater is reflected through his unselfish and devoted service as a member of Coe's Board of Trustees.

