Ball State held its inaugural student-athlete award show, The Chirpies, Monday night at Emens Auditorium to recognize accomplishments from the 2014 calendar year.
Organized by the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and sponsored by the President’s Office, the event was produced by Ball State Sports Link. It aired live on Comcast Indiana and was streamed on ballstatesports.com. (Watch a replay of the show).
The evening started with a red carpet event outside Emens, followed by the 90-minute awards show. Nashville recording artist Corey Cox performed throughout the night, including a final performance featuring Ball state soccer player Lauren Hall.
Aaron Hepp of the football team, Conner Snare of the men’s swimming team and Allison Luthman of Sports Link served as the hosts for the evening.
Here is a complete list of the award winners …
Cardinal Cup Award
Field Hockey Team
(based on academic achievement, community engagement and attendance at athletic events)
Highest Team GPA
Women’s Tennis
(3.67 GPA)
Caring Cardinal
Jarrett James, baseball
(member of the SAAC executive board and Athletes in Action leadership council)
Greek Life Award
Pi Beta Phi
(given to the fraternity or sorority present at the most Ball State athletic events)
Strength Coach of the Year
David Feeley
(directs the strength programs for football and women’s basketball teams)
Athletic Trainer of the Year
Lauren Yaeger
(works with the softball and women’s swimming and diving programs)
Coach of the Year
Bill Richards, men’s tennis
(led Ball State to the 2014 MAC Tournament title and an NCAA appearance)
Comeback of the Year
Rebecca Lomax, track and field
(returned from a devastating knee injury)
Female Athlete of the Year
Jenna Hague, women’s golf
(set the Ball State record for single-season stroke average and competed in a 2014 NCAA Regional)
Male Athlete of the Year
Jahwan Edwards, football
(set the Ball State records for career rushing yards and touchdowns)