Cleveland State announced its 2019-20 Yearly Award winners last week. Multiple Cougar and Lady Cougar athletes received honors ranging from awards for their excellence in athletics, academics, and leadership on campus. The ceremony to honor these winners was, sadly, cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Cleveland State Athletics wants to take a moment to honor these amazing student-athletes for their incredible accomplishments.
Statement from Athletic Director Mike Policastro: "Congrats to all of these athletes on their awards for the 2019-20 school year. We're sorry the year ended the way it did because of the virus, but we appreciate all of the dedication and hard work of all of the athletes, especially how much the award winners have put in this year."
ANDREW CARPENTER, BASEBALL
Dr. George L. Mathis Male Scholastic Award
Andrew Carpenter of Baseball took home the highest academic honor in athletics, winning the Dr. George L. Mathis Scholastic Award on the men's side. This award goes to the sophomore student-athlete who has the highest-overall GPA.
Carpenter was named to the TCCAA All-Academic team for the 2018-2019 athletic year. He also excels on the field and is a regular face in the batting order. An infielder for the Cougars, he has a career batting average of .294 and has also scored 57 career runs and driven in 44 career RBI in his two years at Cleveland State. He just recently committed to play baseball for Carson-Newman University in Jefferson City, Tenn. next spring.
Head Coach Mike Policastro: "Congrats to Andrew for his top academic award. He has put in a great deal of effort both academically and athletically in his two years at Cleveland State. We are proud that he was honored with this prestigious academic award."
BRITNAY GORE, WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
Pace Award for Calculus, Hugh Walker Female Athlete of the Year Award
Britnay Gore of Women's Basketball took home high academic and athletic honors for the 2019-20 school year. The Computer Science major won the Pace Award, which is given to the student that shows the most promise and academic success in Calculus.
Gore also won the Hugh Walker Female Athlete of the Year Award, which is given to the sophomore female athlete who not only excels at the highest level in their sport, but also in the classroom. Gore is a two-time TCCAA First Team All-Conference member who broke multiple single-season and program records in her time as a Lady Cougar. She averaged 13.5 points per game and 9.8 rebounds per game in her two years on the team and also appeared with the team in the 2019-20 TCCAA Tournament semi-finals. Gore was also named to the TCCAA All-Academic Team for the 2018-19 season.
"This award means a great deal to me because one, I didn't know I was going to be awarded and two, all the situations I've been through and battles I have paid are for something," said Gore. "My time at Cleveland State has been nothing but eye-opening. It really taught me how to do things that I never thought I could, improve in areas of my life that seemed impossible at first and meet wonderful people that honestly care for me. I am most grateful for my coach for allowing me to come to this institution and help groom and mold my mindset. I appreciate the faculty at the school who appreciated my hard work and efforts and I am grateful for the teammates that I have met in my years of study."
Head Coach Evelyn Thompson: "Britnay is the prototype for the exceptional student-athlete and exemplifies the culture we are building. She is every coach's dream as a player, person and citizen. She is someone that our younger players look up to. I am so proud of her."
DEMONTE PERSON, MEN'S BASKETBALL
Dr. D.F. Adkisson Male Athlete of the Year Award
Demonte Person was named Dr. D.F. Adkisson Male Athlete of the Year. This award is given to the sophomore male athlete that not only showcases excellence in their sport, but also in the classroom.
Person was named to the TCCAA All-Conference Second Team for the 2019-20 season. He broke the program's career assists record in 2020 and led the team, averaging 4.7 assists per game. He has averaged 8.4 points per game and 4.3 assists per game over the course of his career. Person also was a member of the team that won the 2019 TCCAA Championship and won a game to advance to the Sweet 16 of the NJCAA National Tournament.
Person has also been recognized for his excellence in the classroom, earning TCCAA All-Academic Team honors for the 2018-2019 athletic year.
KERRY PRATT, MEN'S BASKETBALL
L. Quentin Lane Male Sportsmanship Award
Kerry Pratt, a leader on and off of the court, earned recognition for his involvement on campus, winning the L. Quentin Lane Male Sportsmanship Award. This award goes to the sophomore male athlete who showcases the most character in their time at Cleveland State and also shows involvement on campus beyond just playing their sport.
Staff members spoke highly of Pratt, citing his kindness and respect of others, his friendliness, how well he supports other sports and leads his teammates on the court.
Pratt also was a huge part of the Cougars' success, averaging 8.2 points per game, and knocking down huge shots for Men's Basketball over the last two seasons. He was also a member of the team that won the 2019 TCCAA Championship and won a NJCAA National Tournament game to make an appearance in the 2019 Tournament Sweet 16.
Head Coach Lee Cigliano on both Person and Pratt: "Demonte and Kerry were two of the best young men I have ever had the opportunity to work with in my 24 years at Cleveland State. They were always enjoyable to be around and they represented Cleveland State on and off the court in an exemplary manner. I'm confident both will do well in their next college step and I will miss them."
SADIE LANE, CHEERLEADING, WOMEN'S CROSS COUNTRY
Criminal Justice Award, L. Quentin Lane Female Sportsmanship Award
Sadie Lane earned both athletic and academic honors for her hard work in the classroom and how involved she is on campus.
Lane won the Criminal Justice Award, which goes to the student who demonstrates the most promise and highest academic success in the Criminal Justice major. Lane was the only Cleveland State student-athlete, male or female, who was named to the NJCAA All-Academic American First Team for the 2018-2019 athletic year. She also earned TCCAA All-Academic honors for the 2018-2019 season.
Lane also received the L. Quentin Lane Female Sportsmanship Award. This award goes to the sophomore female athlete who not only showcases great character, but is also highly involved on campus. Lane, a two-sport athlete, showcased success as both a cross country runner and cheerleader for the Lady Cougars. She served as Cheerleading captain for the 2019-2020 season and also was the Cross Country team's top finisher in two meets on the year, placing fifth in the Region Championships this past fall. You can also find Sadie regularly helping at other athletic events, most recently serving often at the ticket table and in the concession stand at baseball and softball games.
Lane signed with Missouri Valley College in Marshall, Mo. to compete in cross country and track as well as cheer competitively starting next fall earlier in 2020.
"I am honored to receive the L. Quentin Lane Sportsmanship Award because I strive to support my team and lift up others," said Lane. "Every runner knows cross country is not an easy sport, but building up others and creating friendships makes it worthwhile. I try my best to embody what it means to be a leader and take into consideration my teammates. Even in times of defeat or unfairness, I try to conduct myself with grace because that is what a true sportsman-like athlete does."
2019 Interim Head Cross Country Coach Lindsey Beck: "I am so proud of Sadie for winning these awards. She is one of the kindest and most caring people I have ever coached. She works so hard in the classroom and goes above and beyond what is asked of her to be sure that she grows as a Criminal Justice major and person in general. She was a great leader on our team, making sure everyone was involved and in the loop and showcased how to work hard and cheer on your teammates well. I cannot wait to see how she will continue to succeed at Missouri Valley this fall!"
Head Cheerleading Coach Haley Hendrix: "Sadie's academic and athletic dedication shines through her passion for Criminal Justice and her performance in both cross country and cheerleading. Her ability to unite individuals through encouragement, work ethic, and leadership creates opportunities for Sadie to continue impacting the world around her. She has a bright future ahead of her and Cleveland State is grateful to be part of her story. I personally am so proud of Sadie and her achievements."
JORDAN WAGERS, WOMEN'S CROSS COUNTRY
Education Award, Dr. George L. Mathis Female Scholastic Award
Leadership Merit Award Recognition as 2019-20 Student Senate President
Jordan Wagers of Women's Cross Country earned multiple honors for her hard work both on and off of the course and her involvement on campus.
Academically, Wagers won the Education Award, which is given to the student who shows the most promise and academic success in the Education major. She was recognized in the Leadership Merit Award category for her time serving as 2019-20 Student Senate President.
On the course, Wagers was a leader for her Women's Cross Country teammates, working hard and setting an example. In her one season running for the Lady Cougars, Wagers had huge personal bests in the 5k at the UNA Invitational and the 6k at the Berry Invitational.
"I feel so honored with the awards I have received," said Wagers. "I have worked so hard this year and it's great to see that it did not go unnoticed. Cleveland State has given me so many opportunities and for that I am so grateful."
2019 Interim Head Coach Lindsey Beck: "I am so proud of Jordan and am so glad she was recognized for everything she does for the Cleveland State student body. In whatever she does, whether it's in the classroom, on the course, or in the community, she works hard to be sure she succeeds and also that others succeed. She is a selfless leader who is so humble in all of the amazing things she does and she was a crucial part of our team last season. I can't wait to see where she ends up in the future and no doubt she will succeed after she graduates from Cleveland State."
Head Cross Country Coach Brandon Raleigh on Lane and Wagers: "We were quite lucky to have both Jordan and Sadie in our program. Both worked diligently in the classroom and left a lasting impact on Cleveland State— Sadie as a multi-sport athlete and Jordan as Class President. They exemplified what a student-athlete looks like. They will be missed and we wish them the best in their future endeavors."
SETH WARD, MEN'S GOLF
Math Award, Engineering Award
Seth Ward of Men's Golf earned multiple academic honors for his hard work in the classroom this year. Ward won both the Math and Engineering Awards. Ward was named to the 2018-2019 TCCAA All-Academic Team, which recognizes athletes for their outstanding GPA.
Ward also had a great season for Men's Golf, setting new career-bests for his lowest individual round score and lowest two-round total.
"The awards in these sections really make me grateful to all my teachers throughout my life," said Ward. "I am especially grateful for my mom and my high school math teacher Mrs. Hall and, of course, my brother who is an engineer. And, not to mention, Dr. Augustine and Professor Oakley here at Cleveland State. This time at Cleveland State has shown me that even though I have all of these things I have to do, like golf practice and all the homework, that as long as you work hard you can accomplish your goal. I feel like I have. I am very happy about receiving these awards."
Head Coach Miles Moesley: "I'm really proud of Seth's accomplishments. He has worked really hard since enrolling at Cleveland State. Receiving two academic awards is really impressive, especially considering the time commitment required to participate in college athletics."
Miranda Smith, Cheerleading
Mass Communications Award
Miranda Smith of Cheerleading was recognized academically, winning the Mass Communications Award for her excellence within her major and academic success.
The sophomore cheerleader was a great leader on the squad and will be missed next season.
Head Coach Haley Hendrix: "Miranda has shown excellence in the classroom and throughout her time cheering at Cleveland State. Proving to be a vital leader on this team, Miranda not only worked to improve the team through every practice and game, but Miranda's leadership also shined through her actions in all her endeavors. Her passion to succeed will guide her throughout what I am sure will be a bright future. Miranda has brought unprecedented talent and enthusiasm to this team and will be greatly missed next year, it has been my honor to know her and coach her."
Smith also served as an intern for Sports Information Director Lindsey Beck this past fall.
"Miranda is one of the hardest-working students I have ever met," said Beck. "She always showed up with a smile on her face, ready to contribute and make our work run smoother. She cared so much about getting better and was a natural talent, being sure to ask questions and find ways to improve. She will no doubt make an impact in her next steps after Cleveland State and I will miss having her on our internship staff!"
Please join us in congratulating these athletes for their amazing accomplishments. We are so proud of them!
