Runner Nick Hoffman has been chosen as recipient of Hope College’s Otto van der Velde Award for the 2021-22 school year.
The Otto van der Velde Award has been presented since 1932 to a senior man for outstanding contribution to the college in athletics, scholarship, and participation in student activities.
The award is named in memory of Dr. Otto van der Velde, a 1915 Hope College graduate who lettered in four sports and was later team physician for more than 40 years.
Hoffman (Holland, Michigan / Holland HS) is a two-sport athlete who has excelled in cross country and track field.
The public accounting major repeated as the MIAA’s outdoor champion in the 1,500 meters and earned All-MIAA honors. Hoffman contributed the Flying Dutchmen’s run to a second-place finish at the MIAA Outdoor Championships.
During the indoor track and field season, Hoffman ran on the distance medley relay that earned the first All-America honors in the event with a fourth-place finish in March.
Hoffman claimed an MIAA title in the 1-mile run in February and set a school record in the 800 meters. Hoffman claimed All-MIAA First Team honors.
During the cross country season, Hoffman qualified for the NCAA Division III Championships for the first time last fall and helped the Flying Dutchmen to a runner-up finish at the MIAA Championships.
Hoffman finished second individually at the MIAA Championships and received All-MIAA honors for the first time.
In the classroom, Hoffman made the MIAA Academic Honor Roll his first three seasons.