Skyler Crane

Hanlon, Koppelmann, Rung, and Schuckert Named Finalists for 2026 Roman-Canning Award

4/3/2026 10:02:00 AM | By: Abby Bednar, Graduate Assistant

The talented quartet did strong service work to become finalists in the fifth year of the award

UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS -- For the fifth time since its inception, the Roman-Canning Award for Student Athlete Community Service will be awarded to an impressive John Carroll senior student-athlete who serves as an outstanding example of servant leadership, prioritizing the needs of others while maintaining excellence in their sport.

In June 2021, John Carroll Football alumni Matt Canning '95 and Greg Roman '94 established the award. In the years since, the award has become a prestigious honor for the student athletes that are devoted to community service. Drawing on the lasting impact of serving others, Roman and Canning created the award to promote and celebrate our student athletes commitment to serving the wider community.

The award is given out annually to a deserving senior student athlete who has demonstrated dedication to community service and a commitment to the Jesuit ideal of being Men and Women for Others. The student-athlete will receive a $2,500 grant, while the awardees team will receive a $2,500 gift from the fund to support future community service initiatives and recognize the team's culture of service.

The finalists for the 2025-2026 award have been selected: Brody Hanlon (Track and Field), Lauren Koppelmann (Swimming), Vivian Rung (Women's Lacrosse), and Owen Schuckert (Football).

Learn more about the finalists:

Brody Hanlon

The JCU Track and Field standout has made a huge impact on the track and field program and the campus as a leader and role model who influences his teammates and peers to engage in community service and live the mission of JCU.

Hanlon has been the John Carroll CSSA Liaison for all four years, Boler Community Day Team Lead for two years, and Jesuit Community Day of Service Track and Field Liaison for three years.

This past fall, Hanlon has been working closely with the Bolton Lunch Buddies. During this experience, the Finance major worked with 3rd-5th graders to help foster social, behavioral, and academic skills through connection during lunch and recess. During the fall 2024 semester, Hanlon worked with Carroll Calculates: 5th Grade Math at Gearity. He helped tutor young learners in mathematics in the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District.

In addition, Hanlon interned with the Walsh Group (which designed the Athletic, Wellness, and Event Center), learning valuable lessons as a Project Accountant Intern.

His Coach describes him as a "true example of being a "Man of Carroll" who consistently demonstrates servant leadership in all aspects of his life and encourages his teammates to be part of something greater by being of service to others. Brody leads by example and empowers his teammates to succeed by putting the team's needs before his own and instilling belief in others. Hanlon is credited with influencing his teammates to embrace the University's Jesuit mission, encouraging them to join him in service projects such as Cleveland Metroparks cleanups and work at the Greater Cleveland Foodbank.

Hanlon's community service commitment is remarkable in its depth and breadth. His most significant contributions include:

Youth Mentorship and Education: Hanlon has led the Writers in Residence Program at the Juvenile Detention Center and provided math tutoring for 5th graders through the Carroll Calculates program. Additionally, he served as a "Lunch Buddy" for the Bolton Elementary School.
Empowering Vulnerable Populations: He spent significant time with the YouthAbility Exercise and Walking Group and engaged in philosophy tutoring at Benedictine High School.
Economic and Social Support: Through the Cosmic Bobbins & Cleveland Sews initiative, he helped community members build relationships and provided support for social entrepreneurship efforts.

Beyond his individual service, Hanlon has served as a vital bridge between the JCU athletic department and the community. He has held the role of John Carroll CSSA Liaison for four years and served as the Track & Field Team Liaison for the Jesuit Day of Service for three years. His leadership extends to the Boler College of Business, where he served as a Community Day Team Lead for two years.

Lauren Koppelman

The JCU Swimming star has impacted her team and community by organizing countless service projects. She is committed to advocating for others.

This past fall, Koppelmann organized a clothing drive and clothing sorting day for the Labre Project, donating and sorting more than 20 bags of winter clothing to help individuals experiencing homelessness in Cleveland. In addition, Koppelmann coordinated a service night with Labre for the Swim and Dive team where the team distributed food and clothing to the homeless community in Cleveland.

Funds were raised at a Breast Cancer Awareness meet and team participation in the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Awareness Walk. Additionally, the senior standout organized the Morgan's Message Awareness meet to help promote conversation surrounding student athlete mental health. Her other activities include organizing team participation in card making for Cleveland Clinic patients and the Footprints for Fatima 5k Walk.

The JCU Swim and Dive captain has distinguished herself as a student-leader by successfully integrating and promoting a culture of service for the team. Koppelmann has led her teammates in a range of community service activities ranging from homeless outreach to mental health advocacy, ensuring that service is a core aspect of the student-athlete experience.

Notable accomplishments include:

Homelessness Outreach: She organized a Labre Clothing Drive that collected winter clothing for individuals experiencing homelessness in Cleveland and coordinated a sorting day and a service night where 20 teammates directly distributed food and clothing to those in need..
Health and Wellness Advocacy: Koppelmann spearheaded a Breast Cancer Awareness Meet, which included fundraising for Susan G. Komen and a group prayer for affected families. She also mobilized 45 members of the men's and women's teams to volunteer for over five hours at the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Walk.
Mental Health Awareness: To reduce the stigma surrounding student-athlete mental health, she organized a Morgan's Message Awareness Meet and encouraged team participation in a fundraising basketball tournament.
Patient Support: During recruiting weekends, she led 25 teammates in a card-making project for patients at Cleveland Clinic hospitals to provide encouragement during difficult times

Vivian Rung

The Women's Lacrosse star is recognized as an exemplary leader who has become a pillar of the team and an advocate for others.

This past fall, Rung has worked with the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Delisle Options Center Tutoring, working closely with young learners to help them improve their academic skills.

In the fall 2023 semester, Rung worked with the Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry Chopping for Change Men, where she worked with men from the criminal justice system to help them gain culinary skills for the hospitality industry and future job readiness.

During her time at John Carroll, she was also heavily involved in Boler Community Day and Fatima Boys and Girls Club.

Vivian's diverse service portfolio also includes:

Adult Education & Career Readiness: At the Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry, she assisted with The Chopping for Change Program providing support, job readiness skills and job search techniques for men from the criminal justice system. This culinary training program helps community members prepare for jobs in the hospitality industry.
Youth Mentorship: She worked with youth at the Fatima Family Center, assisting with after-school programs and homework.
Event Leadership: Rung served on the Fatima 5k Planning Committee for four consecutive years (2022–2025), managing fundraising, communications, and event logistics. The fundraising event provides meals and resources for families in need.
Mental Health Advocacy: She has dedicated her time to Morgan's Message, promoting mental health awareness for student-athletes on campus.

Owen Schuckert

The JCU Football standout has been heavily involved in community service for the Blue Streaks throughout all four years. Schuckert made the 2025 AFCA Allstate Good Works Team, being just one of 22 players from all levels of college football to be honored.

Schuckert has worked closely with Sparks Specialized Services to aid Developmentally Disabled Adult Men by helping with home care and work at the day program. The Cuyahoga Heights native has worked extensively with the Special Needs community around the Cleveland area. He has worked at the Cleveland Browns' Youth Camps to assist with the Browns' Developmentally Disabled High School Students in conjunction with the Special Olympics. Schuckert worked with the Tim Tebow Foundation Night to Shine which helped make a difference for people with special needs in the Northeast Ohio community.

Another important experience was Schuckert's work with Labre Ministry for the Homeless and More Than Food where he helped deliver food, clothing, and materials to individuals experiencing homelessness in the Cleveland area. In addition, Schuckert has provided countless hours assisting at a variety of football camps such as Kohl's Kicking Camps, Cleveland Browns Youth Camps, and Thrive New Orleans. Schuckert also aided as a direction guide and motivator at the 4th Annual Run Rock Run 5k.

While at John Carroll, Schuckert served as a teacher assistant in the Anatomy and Physiology lab and is a member of the Pre Health Coordinating Committee. He also serves Vice President of the Gift of Life Club, working to raise awareness and donations of stem cells and bone marrow to those in need

About Matt Canning and Greg Roman
Matt Canning graduated from John Carroll University in 1995 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and a Bachelor of Science in psychology. A leader on the football team, Canning played cornerback and was also a member of the track & field team. After graduation, he served on Coach Tony DeCarlo's staff as an assistant coach. He has worked for Henkel (formerly Manco) for the last 29 years and is currently the VP of North American Sales. Canning has proudly worked with (and hired) several John Carroll student athletes and alumni during his time with the company.

Greg Roman is a member of the class of 1994 at John Carroll University, graduating with a degree in Political Science. Greg was an All-OAC defensive tackle on the football team at JCU. He has worked at the upper echelons of collegiate and professional football for over 25 years, holding coaching positions with the Carolina Panthers, Houston Texans, Stanford University, Buffalo Bills, San Francisco 49ers, Baltimore Ravens, the Los Angeles Chargers, and now the New York Giants. From 2011-2014, as Offensive Coordinator of the 49ers, he led the team to three straight NFC Championship games as well as Super Bowl XLVII in 2012. He is currently in his first year as the senior offensive assistant for the New York Giants.

Previous Winners
2022 - Alex Heishman, Women's Lacrosse
2023 - Rachel Halapchuk, Women's Swimming
2024 - Zach Brinks, Men's Golf
2025 - Matt Wrather, Football

Editor's Note
Thank you to the Director of the Center for Service-Learning and Social Action, Dr. Katherine Feely, for her contributions to this article.

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