BILLINGS, Mont. (May 10, 2022) – Alison Weisz and Troy Andersen were named the winners of the 2022 Montana AAU Little Sullivan Award. Both athletes exemplify exactly what the award stands for while representing their home state of Montana. The winners were announced on Saturday, May 7^th during the Montana AAU Little Sullivan Banquet.
 
The Little Sullivan Award was first presented in Montana in 1955. Criteria for being a nominee for the statewide award includes: athletic excellence, leadership, character, sportsmanship and ideals of amateurism. All of the finalists for the award are not only standouts on the field, but also show incredible sportsmanship and are leaders of the playing surface.
 
Alison Weisz is an Elite Sports Shooter and has been an AAU member since 2008. Weisz grew up in Belgrade, Montana and is currently training for a competition in Spain. She is stationed in Georgia with the Army Marksmanship Unit and has represented the USA in the Olympics. After competing with the rifle team at Ole Miss and as a Graduate Assistant at the University of Memphis, Weisz was selected to compete in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. She placed 14^th for the 10 meter air rifle competition. Weisz has also won gold at the Pan American Games as well as National Championships while she was in college.
 
“I believe character is a representation of a person's values and how they live by them. A few important values of mine include perseverance, professionalism, authenticity, and giving back,” Weisz says. “Sport is such a wonderful way of being able to express these values. As an athlete we will always face adversity, perseverance allows us to continue when it feels impossible and easily carries over into all areas of our life.”
 
Troy Andersen played Linebacker at Montana State University where he turned heads and found his way into record books. Andersen grew up in Dillon, Montana and he has seen his hard work take him to the NFL. Andersen was selected in the second round of the NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons and now gets to make a dream come true. While attending MSU Andersen was seen as one of the best players in the school’s history. He played multiple positions including running back, quarterback, and linebacker while in college. He holds the single season records for most rushing touchdowns, most points, 100-yard rushing games, and yards per rush. He is the ultimate competitor and is passionate about giving back.
 
Andersen coached youth and high school football camps during summers as well as being a leader for Team Impact, working with the youth in Big Timber that were suffering from cancer. This is his second year being named a finalist for the Little Sullivan, and he is incredibly humbled by the nominations.
 
Female finalists for the 2022 Montana AAU Little Sullivan were: Lucy Corbett, Montana State, track and field; Nicole Heavirland, Olympic rugby; and Carley VonHeeder, Montana State, track and field. Male finalists were: Matt Dey, Dickinson State, football; Nick Kunz, Montana State-Northern, wrestling; and Logan Nelson, Mary, football.
 
The Amateur Athletic Union is incredibly proud of all of the nominees. They are true examples of leaders that show strong character, sportsmanship, and the love of the sports they play. Continue to be excellent both on and off the playing surface!
 
To read more about the 2022 Montana AAU Little Sullivan Award and see pictures from the banquet, visit the Montana Standard.