By CONOR NICHOLL

cnicholl@dailynews.net

Makenzie Weinman, a Phillipsburg High School graduate and Fort Hays State University's all-MIAA honorable mention libero, didn't come to Friday's Tiger basketball games expecting anything.

Instead, she and senior all-MIAA and all-region cross country and track runner Alex Hendee were surprised with the Cerv's Leadership Award, one of the highest honors given to a Tiger student-athlete.

"It was a total secret," Tiger volleyball coach Kurt Kohler said.

The award combines leadership, athletic achievement and community service and is given to one male and one female athlete a year. The two received the honor during halftime of the men's 87-53 victory against Lincoln (Mo.) University.

Weinman, known for her gregarious personality and red hair, recognized her brother in the stands because of his red hair.

"I thought, 'What is he doing here?" she said. "Then I saw all of my teammates are behind me and they are just kind of giggling."

The team told Weinman told come to a quick team meeting. Then Kohler told Weinman to come with her onto the court.

"Then my parents came out," Weinman said. "It was just really exciting."

Weinman, the only unanimously chosen captain in Kohler's career, has also volunteered in multiple organizations, including Big Brother Big Sisters, the Salvation Army and youth groups with Celebration Community Church.

"This is awesome," Weinman said.

Hendee, the school record holder in the 3,000-meter run and a qualifier in the mile for next week's NCAA Divison II indoor track nationals, helped the Tiger cross country team win its first MIAA championship last fall. In addition, he has served as FHSU Student Government vice president since Fall 2010.