Black Lion Award

The Black Lion Award is given in memory of Major Don Holleder, Aquinas alumnus and former West Point All-American who died in combat in Vietnam on October 17, 1967 and the brave men of the Black Lions – the 28th Infantry Regiment – who died with him that day.

The Black Lion Award is NOT an individual award in the same sense as a Most Valuable Player award, (although it certainly could go to a team’s MVP). It is intended to go to the player on his team who best personifies team play –“who best exemplifies the character of Don Holleder: leadership, courage, devotion to duty, self-sacrifice, and – above all – an unselfish concern for the team ahead of himself.”