Butler University athletes Jesse Hamlin, William Zegarski, and Hailey Conger have been honored with the 2025-26 BIG EAST Sport Excellence Awards. These awards recognize student-athletes excelling academically, athletically, and through community service. Hamlin, Kegarski, and Conger distinguished themselves in men's track and field and softball, respectively, each meeting criteria of academic standing and community contributions. The selection process is highly competitive, with Seton Hall leading the awards tally with seven honorees. Each recipient exemplifies the values of their institutions and the BIG EAST Conference.

By the Numbers
  • Hamlin achieved a 3.798 GPA during his undergraduate studies and a 3.904 in his master's program.
  • Zegarski's 10,000-meter personal best at the NCAA Championships ranks him 10th nationally.
  • Conger's record of 55 runs scored this season broke Butler's previous single-season record of 42.
Yes, But

The award format limits recognition to one winner per sport, which can overshadow other deserving student-athletes who also demonstrate excellence and service.

State of Play
  • The BIG EAST Sport Excellence Awards continue to attract significant attention, reflecting the achievements of student-athletes.
  • Butler and several schools, including Seton Hall and UConn, showcase multiple awardees, emphasizing the competitive landscape.
What's Next

Examining future implications, the recognition of these athletes may enhance recruitment efforts for Butler and other BIG EAST schools. Additionally, ongoing support for academic and athletic programming will likely be highlighted in upcoming traditions.

Bottom Line

The recognition of Hamlin, Zegarski, and Conger underscores the integral role of academic and athletic achievements in shaping exceptional student-athletes, reflecting well on their respective programs and contributing to the positive image of the BIG EAST Conference.