JACKSON -- After a standout 2008-09 sports season that saw team records in four different sports, 65 senior student-athletes were recognized at the annual Senior Recognition Banquet on Monday night at the Cabot Lodge-Millsaps, closing the books on their careers for the Purple & White.
Guest emcee Chuck Stinson of WLBT-TV 3 handled the introductions of 13 head coaches, along with a special legislative resolution honoring the 2008 football team and the presentation of the three annual student-athlete awards.
After each head coach talked briefly about their individual group of seniors, the anticipated presentation of the three annual student-athlete awards followed.
The Carla Webb Senior Female Athlete of the Year award, given annually to the outstanding senior female varsity athlete amongst the seven women's sports, went to senior outfielder Tiffany Ladnier of the Majors' softball team.
The Paul Benton Senior Male Athlete of the Year award, presented annually to the outstanding senior male varsity athlete amongst the seven men's sports, went to a pair of players for the first time in the award's six-year history. Quarterback Juan Joseph, 2008 Cellular South Conerly Trophy recipient and three-time SCAC Offensive Player of the Year, and outfielder Hunter Owen, two-time SCAC Player of the Year and ABCA All-American, shared the award.
The third and final award, the Archie Lamb Sportsmanship Award, which is presented annually to a male and female student-athlete who best exemplifies sportsmanship, character and attitude while approaching their teammates, coaches and other respective officials was given to senior women's soccer player Elizabeth Sooby and senior men's basketball player Chad Songy.
The 1 hour and 45 minute banquet concluded with a special presentation from Dr. Brit Katz, vice president of student life and dean of students, as he presented longtime baseball head coach Jim Page with a commemorative plaque reflecting on his 500th career victory to open the 2009 season. Page became the first coach in school history and just the 30th in NCAA Division III to hit the milestone.
