Athletes Honored at Annual Champions Dinner
5/2/2007 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
May 2, 2007
NACOGDOCHES - The Stephen F. Austin Athletics Department honored its athletes Wednesday night in the Pattillo Student Center's Grand Ballroom at the Annual Champions Dinner. Along with the individual honors, SFA also recognized the Ladyjack volleyball team for its third consecutive Southland Conference title, and its return to the NCAA Championships. The volleyball team went 31-4 (.886) this past season, recording their second-straight undefeated conference slate and knocked off Alabama in the first round of the NCAA Championships.
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 Keldrick Holman who earned All-America honors for a second consecutive season. A three-time All-SLC athlete, Holman was among the league leaders in tackles for a second consecutive season. He finished his career with 241 career tackles and 12 interceptions. Senior Stephanie Figgers received the June Irwin Female Athlete of the Year honor after becoming the first Ladyjack volleyball player to earn All-America honors this past season. Figgers wrapped up a standout career by earning SLC Player of the Year and guiding the Ladyjacks to their fourth NCAA Championship appearance. A three-time SLC Libero of the Year, Figgers will graduate as the school and conference all-time leader in digs, as well as finishing second all-time nationally with 2,598 digs.
Senior Andrew Fleck received the Dick Wright Award, which is given to the athlete that exhibits desire, determination and dedication. Fleck transferred to SFA for the start of the 2005 season and started all 11 games on the 'Jacks' defensive line. Due to attrition, Fleck was asked to switch to tight end as a senior to fill a need on the 'Jacks' roster. The 2006 team co-captain responded by earning honorable mention All-SLC honors.
Senior distance runner Rodney Joseph took home the Bob Shelton Award, which is given to a senior male athlete that has completed his eligibility and has achieved academic success at SFA. Joseph is a three-time All-SLC athlete that excelled in the classroom and on the track. Joseph has twice been named SLC Cross Country Student-Athlete of the Year and helped guide SFA to three conference cross country titles and one track and field title.
Junior Katrina Nicholas received the Kathy McGough Academic Athlete Award. Nicholas has lived up to both parts of the phrase `student-athlete.' Nicholas has been a key figure in Ladyjacks run to two SLC Indoor Track and Field titles. A three-time All-SLC selection, Nicholas also received the 2007 Murray Shaw Academic Award.
Senior Charity Egenti walked away with the 2007 Lucille Norton Award after guiding the Ladyjacks to another 20-win season and a return trip to the WNIT. Egenti finished among the league's top three in scoring and blocks, and led the league in rebounding. Egenti wrapped up her collegiate career earning SLC Player of the Year honors.
The 2007 Steve McCarty Award went to Ashley Monteau. A multiple conference champion and NCAA qualifier, Monteau embodies the same love for SFA athletics that McCarty has. Monteau was visible supporting not only her track and field and cross country teammates, but also rallied behind the other Lumberjack and Ladyjack athletes. Monteau could be found sporting the purple and white at almost every sporting event, whether it was at home or away.
2007 SFA Champions Dinner Wednesday, May 2, 2007 Award WinnersSteve McCarty Award -- Ashley Monteau Ralph Todd Award -- Keldrick Holman June Irwin Award -- Stephanie Figgers Dick Wright Award -- Andrew Fleck Bob Shelton Award -- Rodney Joseph Kathy McGough Award -- Katrina Nicholas Jené Carter Award -- Lauren Adams George Reese Award -- Chad Spencer Dianne Baker Award -- Laura Harrison Gwen Cole Award -- Ashley Monteau Robert Maluski Award -- Marc Farris Equestrian English MVP -- Kristen Landes Equestrian Western MVP -- Monika Brindley-Thompson Baseball MVP - Steven Hill Sadie Allison Award -- Heather Hebert Pam Thorstenson Award -- Amanda Alders Scotty Bailess Award -- Stephanie Figgers Michelle Reid Award - Traci Rohde & JJ Jones George Johnson Award -- Josh Alexander Buddy Lowery Award -- Will Johnson Lucille Norton Award - Charity Egenti Sue Gunter Award -- Charity Egenti Gary Blair Award -- Jennifer Simpson Mart Crawford Award -- Taylor Cobb Cally Belcher Award -- Bug Aymond Murray Shaw Academic Awards •Baseball - Eric Tasler •Equestrian - Jamie Melgares •Golf - James Winkley •Men's Basketball - Scott Weaver •Women's Basketball - Jessica Gaines •Soccer - Francesca Tierno •Softball - Kari Hugie •Tennis - Gabriela Gadeva •Women's Cross Country/Track & Field - Katrina Nicholas •Men's Cross Country/Track & Field - Ryder Peacock •Football - Cory Long •Volleyball - Shelly Swendig
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