April 30, 2008

NACOGDOCHES - The Stephen F. Austin athletics department honored its student-athletes Wednesday evening in the annual Champions' Dinner in the Pattillo Student Center's Grand Ballroom. Along with the individual honors that were handed out, SFA also recognized its three Southland Conference Championship teams. The Ladyjack volleyball team notched its fourth-consecutive title, while the SFA soccer team won its second league crown in the past three seasons. The Lumberjack basketball team recorded one of the more memorable seasons in SFA athletics history with their magical run to the 2008 SLC title.

The awards banquet was highlighted by the Ralph Todd and June Irwin Athlete of the Year awards, which honor the most outstanding male and female athletes. Junior forward Josh Alexander won the Ralph Todd Award after guiding the 'Jacks' to their first SLC title in school history. Alexander led the team in points and rebounds on his way to 2008 SLC Player of the Year honors. He also left his mark on the SFA record books becoming the school's all-time leading three-point shooter. Senior JJ Jones brought home the June Irwin Award after guiding the Ladyjacks back to the top of the SLC. The two-time SLC Setter of the Year was moved to outside hitter during her senior season and never missed a beat earning first-team all-conference honors. Despite her transition to a new position during her final year, Jones still became the school's all-time leader in assists.

Junior outfielder Zach Gardner was named the 2008 Dick Wright Award winner, which is given to the athlete that exhibits desire, determination and dedication. Gardner is one of the original signees who has helped resurrect the baseball program. Last season, Gardner hit .342 in the leadoff spot for the 'Jacks,' while patrolling center field. Gardner is currently hitting .270 this season, with two home runs, 22 RBIs and 23 runs scored.

Senior forward Scott Weaver received the Bob Shelton Award, which is given to a senior male athlete that has completed his eligibility and has achieved academic success at SFA. The 'Jacks' lone four-year letterwinner helped guide SFA to the 2008 SLC Championship. He wrapped up his senior year by earning second-team Academic All-SLC honors.

Senior Ashley Edwards was named the 2008 Steve McCarty Award recipient. A key figure in the Ladyjack volleyball team's run to four consecutive SLC titles, Edwards has been a proud promoter of the SFA purple and white. A constant at Lumberjack and Ladyjack sporting events cheering on her fellow athletes, Edwards has also served in a leadership for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes during her time in Nacogdoches.

Junior Kari Hugie was named the 2008 Kathy McGough Academic Athlete of the Year. A President's List student, Hugie is the true definition of a student-athlete. Hugie has been instrumental in one of the biggest turnarounds in collegiate softball this season, putting the Ladyjacks in contention for a conference crown, while maintaining a 4.0 grade point average.

2008 Champions Dinner
Wednesday, April 20, 2008
Award Winners
Ralph Todd Award - Josh Alexander
June Irwin Award - JJ Jones
Steve McCarty Award - Ashley Edwards
Dick Wright Award - Zach Gardner
Bob Shelton Award - Scott Weaver
Kathy McGough Award - Kari Hugie
Jane Carter Award - Sumbo Adeniran
Dianne Baker Award - Roxana Enica
Equestrian English MVP - Elizabeth Landes
Equestrian Western MVP - Jenny Martin
Scotty Bailess Award - Jami Hill
Michelle Reid Award - Lauren Railey
Lucille Norton Award - Nikki Carr
Sue Gunter Award - Natashia Green
Gary Blair Award - Nikki Carr
George Reese Award - Michael Smith and Kyle Robbins
Robert Maluski Award - Dennis Yeats
Gwen Cole Award - Katrina Nicholas
Pam Thorstensen Award - Jenna Turner
Mart Crawford Award - Scott Dover
Cally Belcher Award - Tim Knicky
Buddy Lowery Award - Eric Bell and Gerald Fonzie
George Johnson Award - Josh Alexander
Murray Shaw Academic Awards
•Baseball - Adam Bosley
•Equestrian - Emily Frost
•Football - Garret Williams
•Men's Basketball - Scott Weaver
•Women's Basketball - Decreasha Goodner
•Men's Track and Field - Martin Agoes
•Women's Track and Field - Amy Shackelford
•Soccer - Jamie Snow and Courtney Bauder
•Softball - Kari Hugie
•Tennis - Andreea Enica and Gabriela Gadeva
•Volleyball - Laurel Kuepker
•Golf - Kyle Robbins