SFA Athletes Honored at Annual Banquet
5/4/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
May 4, 2005
NACOGDOCHES - The Stephen F. Austin Athletics Department honored its athletes Tuesday night in the William R. Johnson Coliseum at the Annual SFA Athletic Awards Banquet. Thirty-eight Ladyjack and Lumberjack athletes were honored at the banquet.
The awards banquet was highlighted by the Ralph Todd Athlete of the Year Award and June Irwin Athlete of the Year Award, which honors an SFA male and female athlete that excelled in their respective sport. The Ralph Todd Award went to Julian Acuna who led the Lumberjack cross country team to its fourth-straight Southland Conference title, and the program's first-ever SLC Indoor Track and Field title this season. Acuna earned All-SLC honors in cross country, and followed that up by being named SLC Male Indoor Track Athlete of the Year. Senior Ana Rodriguez received the June Irwin Award. Rodriguez is a 14-time All-SLC athlete and a nine-time individual champion that led the Ladyjacks to the 2005 SLC Indoor title by winning two events and recording a school record at the meet.
Senior Michael Williams received the Dick Wright Award, which is given to the athlete that exhibits desire, determination and dedication. Williams earned second-team All-SLC honors as the Lumberjacks quarterback, marking the second consecutive year he has been recognized by the conference. Williams was also one of six finalists for the Wooden Cup Trophy, which is presented annually to a student-athlete at the college level and a professional athlete honoring their character, sportsmanship and civic contributions.
Senior Kenneth Winters 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. Winters was a four-year member of the Lumberjack football team that received honorable mention All-SLC honors this past season.
Senior Brittany Burton received the Kathy McGough Academic Athlete Award. Burton is a two-time first-team All-SLC selection that was named conference MVP. Burton also earned Academic All-SLC honors this season and has been a member of four AVCA National Academic Award winning teams.
Senior Leonard Brown received the Buddy Lowery Award, which is given to the Lumberjack basketball team defensive MVP. Brown came off the bench to average 5.2 points, 1.4 rebounds and was among the team leaders in steals.
Sophomore Stephanie Figgers received the Scotty Bailess Award after leading the Ladyjacks to a share of the 2004 SLC title. Figgers was named team MVVP after garnering second-team all-conference honors and was named SLC Libero of the Year.
-SFA-
