Ball State held its second annual student-athlete award show, The Chirpies, Monday night at Emens Auditorium to recognize accomplishments from the past year.
Organized by the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and sponsored by the President’s Office, the event was once again produced by Ball State Sports Link.
Sports Link Senior Zac Miklusak was the show’s executive producer and director, while senior Aaron Hepp was the assistant producer.
The show was streamed live via ESPN3. (Watch a replay of the show).
Albert Jennings of the men’s golf team and Jala Washington of the gymnastics team served as hosts for the evening, which included a red carpet event and the 90-minute awards show.
The event also had social media buzzing as #Chirpies trended No. 1 in the state of Indiana or over eight hours.
The Hunter Smith Band, led by former Indianapolis Colts and Notre Dame standout Hunter Smith, performed throughout the night. Various personalities took part in the show through video pieces, including actor Orlando Jones and SportsCenter host John Anderson. Ball State football alum and New Orleans Saints receiver Willie Snead was on hand as a presenter.
Here is a complete list of the award winners …
Cardinal Cup Award
Women’s Tennis Team
(Based on academic achievement, community engagement and attendance at athletic events)
Breakthrough Athlete
Bo Calhoun, men’s basketball
(Averaged career highs of 10.7 points and 8.5 rebounds per game)
Caring Cardinal
Tanner Barton, men’s swimming
(Serves on the Type 1 Diabetes Voice Council for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation)
Team GPA Award
Men’s Tennis (highest GPA among all men’s teams)
Women’s Swimming (highest GPA among all women’s teams)
Comeback of the Year
Men’s Basketball Team
(Reached the postseason for the first time in 14 years and posted the fourth-best turnaround in the country, improving from seven wins last season to 21 this season)
Support Staff Recognition Awards
Dr. Karin Lee, Senior Associate Athletics Director
Dan Yats, Athletic Training
Mallory Miles, Strength & Conditioning
Patty Duncan, Equipment Manager
Coach of the Year
Craig Roberts, soccer
(Led the Cardinals to the Mid-American Conference regular season championship)
Male Student-Athlete of the Year
Johnny Watts, men’s golf
(Won the 2015 MAC Championships individual title)
Female Student-Athlete of the Year
Nathalie Fontaine, women’s basketball
(Named MAC Player of the Year and set the program’s career scoring record)
