Earlier this summer, redshirt senior running back Kristian Porter and senior cornerback Brett Jensen were honored as the 2012 recipients of the Rowe/Hinkel Leadership Award at a presentation held in Sheridan, Wyo.

The Rowe/Hinkel Leadership Award was established to preserve the memory of two former University of Sioux Falls football student-athletes, Tony Rowe and David Hinkel. The gridiron teammates were quality athletes, devoted family men and beloved members of their respective communities.

Former teammates and friends of Tony and David established the Rowe/Hinkel Leadership Award in 2000. The purpose of the award is to promote leadership, discipline, a winning attitude, maturity, honesty and teamwork. To qualify for this award, football student-athletes must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 for three years and exhibit quiet leadership and discipline on and off the field. The award is given annually to both an offensive and defensive player entering their last season of athletic competition.

“I was very honored to receive this award,” Jensen said.  “I know some of the players that received the award before me and they are guys who displayed great character and leadership; it is humbling to be placed in the same category with them. “I credit the players that I looked up to while playing alongside them for teaching me their good work ethic along with showing me what it takes to be a leader on the field.” 

“It's also cool winning the award after playing with Tony Rowe's son Garrett the last couple years and getting to know him as both a teammate and a friend,” Jensen added.

“Receiving this award means a great deal to me and it's an honor for me to be recognized for my leadership qualities and for trying to be a positive influence within our football family as well as the USF community," Porter said. “There is a great group of men that have previously received the award and I am honored to follow in their footsteps.”

“It is hard to imagine two more worthy recipients of the Rowe/Hinkel Leadership Award than Brett Jensen and Kristian Porter,” said third-year head coach Jed Stugart. “Both of these young men are great students who show class and character both on and off the football field.”

“Brett and Kristian are leaders because they always bring positive energy to practice, lead by good example and support their teammates,” Stugart added. “It's a well-deserved honor.”

About Tony & David

Tony Rowe suited up for the Cougars from 1986-1989. A native of Phoenix (Ariz.), Tony helped lead the Cougars to a 10-1 record his senior season and their first-ever NAIA postseason appearance. Tony was named an NAIA All-American cornerback in 1989.

After hanging up his cleats, Tony remained close to the Cougar football program and often provided guidance to the players that followed in his footsteps. Tony also spoke out against racism and strived to teach others to judge a person by what of person they are, not by the color of their skin.

Tony's life came to a tragic end in April 1994. Though he worked full-time at IBM, Tony enjoyed music and occasionally spent evenings as a disc jockey at various clubs and events in the Sioux Falls. One night after a show, Tony was shot and killed when he tried to break up a fight outside of a club. Tony Rowe is survived by his wife Dana; son, Garrett; and daughter, Maya. Garrett is currently a sophomore defensive back for the Cougars.

David Hinkel hailed from Buffalo (Wyo.), and was a receiver for the University of Sioux Falls from 1985-1988. David racked up 433 yards on 38 receptions as a senior and was the top receiver for Coach Bob Young that season. He was also an excellent student who displayed great dedication and commitment to the Cougar football team.

David was also an outdoorsman who loved to hunt and moved to Alaska later in life to work as a hunting guide. In August of 1998, David lost his life when he fell from a cliff on a big game hunting trip. He is survived by his wife, Bethany Ann; and two daughters; Carrie and Crystal. 

Each summer, former University of Sioux Falls football players, coaches and friends participate in the annual Rowe/Hinkel golf tournament in Sheridan, Wyoming. Dollars raised at the event benefit the USF football program.