Ball State held its third annual student-athlete awards show, The Chirpies, April 10 at Emens Auditorium to recognize outstanding accomplishments on and off the field spanning the previous year.
Organized by the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and sponsored by the Ball State President’s Office, the event was once again produced by Ball State Sports Link.
Senior Allison Wilson was the show’s executive producer, while senior J.C. Obringer directed. The entire awards show was broadcast live on ESPN3.
BJ Butler of the baseball team served as the host for the evening. A red carpet event preceded the awards ceremony, which was hosted by men’s volleyball player Lem Turner and field hockey player Michelle Shampton.
ESPN’s Bob Holtzman, former Ball State quarterback and current New York Giants football player Keith Wenning, and WISH-TV sports director Anthony Calhoun made special appearances.
Three new awards were added this year – Team Manager of the Year, Men’s Team of the Year and Women’s Team of the Year.
The evening kicked off with performances from rising recording artist Chase Bryant. Bryant also ended the evening with a free concert.
“So many college students have a passion for both music and sports, so bringing the two together for a student-athlete awards show seems like a natural fit,” Bryant said.
The rising 24-year old star has been named an “On the Verge” Artist by USA Today and iHeart Media; a “Hot Star” by Pollstar; one of “10 Country Artists You’re Going To Love” by Teen Vogue; “One of the Best Things We Saw at CMA Fest” by Rolling Stone; “a superstar in waiting” by Taste of Country, a “Next Big Thing 2015” Star by MusicRow Magazine as well as an “Artist to Watch in 2015” by The Huffington Post, Nashville Lifestyles, Taste of Country, Roughstock, Country Music Is Love and many more.
Complete list of 2017 #Chirpies Winners:
Male Student-Athlete of the Year
Alex Call, baseball
(2016 MAC Player of the Year, Louisville Slugger first team All-American)
Female Student-Athlete of the Year
Lorina White, soccer
(2016 MAC Defensive Player of the Year, NSCAA first team All-Region)
Caring Cardinal Award
Trey Moses, men’s basketball
(works with Best Buddies International (special needs organization))
Breakthrough Student-Athlete Award
Regan Lewis, track & field
(holds school record for high jump, All-MAC second team)
Comeback Award
Field Hockey team
(most number of wins in more than a decade)
Coach of the Year
Max Norris, women’s tennis
(led women’s tennis to 2016 MAC championship and first-ever appearance in NCAA championships)
Support Staff Award
Patty Duncan, equipment manager
Team Manager of the Year
Emily Neumann, softball
Cardinal Cup Award
Gymnastics
Team GPA Award
Men’s Tennis, Women’s Swimming & Diving
Women’s Team of the Year
Tennis
(won 2016 MAC championship and qualified for NCAA championships)
Men’s Team of the Year
Basketball
(reached 20 wins, won share of MAC West Division title and advanced to postseason for second straight year)
