COLLEGE STATION–More than 500 Aggie student-athletes were honored at the annual Texas A&M Athletics CHAMPS Banquet, sponsored by Carolyn Lohman and in honor of Tommie Lohman ’59, on Wednesday at The Zone at Kyle Field.
A total of 505 student-athletes and student support staff were honored for achieving a semester or cumulative 3.0 grade point average or higher during the 2012-13 school year, including 62 who were named Outstanding Athletic Scholars for posting a perfect 4.0 GPA for at least one semester.
“I was truly impressed by the number of our student-athletes at the CHAMPS Banquet,” Texas A&M Director of Athletics Eric Hyman stated. “I am so proud of our young people as well as the academic support staff, professors and faculty across the Texas A&M campus that foster a successful learning environment.”
A variety of honors were awarded at the CHAMPS banquet, including:
Bill Erwin Scholar-Athlete of the Year – Named for longtime Texas A&M athletics supporter and local philanthropist Bill Erwin, the Scholar-Athlete of the Year award is given to a male and female student-athlete who is in their final year of athletic eligibility and demonstrated outstanding academic and athletic performance.
Male: Case Cochran, Men’s Golf
Female: Amanda Brightwell, Equestrian
Distinguished Lettermen’s Award – Presented to top male and female student-athletes of the year who have demonstrated outstanding athletic performance.
Male: Henry Lelei, Track and Field
Female: Mel Dumezich, Softball
Lohman Learning Achievement Award – Recognizes a student-athlete who has demonstrated integrity and perseverance in overcoming incredible challenges in pursuit of their education; who shows commitment to working with and learning from others, and serves as a role model for others.
Fabyon Harris, Men’s Basketball
Freshman of the Year
Male: Johnny Manziel, Football
Female: Shelbi Vaughn, Track and Field/Volleyball
Award of Excellence – The Award of Excellence is a way for student-athletes to honor an Athletics Department staff member for his or her dedication and support of student-athletes.
Janice Williams (Nye Academic Center Office Assistant)
Cleo Whitlock Award – Named in honor of avid Texas A&M athletics supporter Cleo Whitlock, this award honors a person outside the Athletics Department who has gone above and beyond in his or her support of Texas A&M student-athletes and athletic programs.
Dr. William Collopy (Texas A&M Department of History)
Class Star Awards – Given by the Texas A&M Class Councils to one student-athlete from each class year in five areas of excellence: academics, athletics, leadership, service and spirit.
Class of 2013: Megan Pendergast, Volleyball
Class of 2014: Breeja Larson, Women’s Swimming and Diving
Class of 2015: Deon Lendore, Men’s Track and Field
Class of 2016: Courtney Walker, Women’s Basketball
Brad Davis SEC Community Service Postgraduate Scholarship – Given to an athlete with a minimum GPA of 2.75 who plans to enroll in graduate school or professional school within five years of selection and has shown a commitment to serving others in the university, or other communities through participation in various service projects and activities.
Male: Steven Terrell, Football
Female: Bethany West, Soccer
H. Boyd McWhorter Postgraduate Scholarship – Criteria for the H. Boyd McWhorter Post Graduate Scholarship include a cumulative GPA of 3.2, participation in at least two years of intercollegiate athletics at a SEC institution and must enroll in graduate/professional school within 15 months of selection.
Male: Case Cochran, Men’s Golf
Female: Lindsey Miller, Volleyball
High Team GPA (3.0 or higher)
Volleyball, Equestrian, Women’s Swimming and Diving, Women’s Tennis, Women’s Soccer and Men’s Tennis
Highest Team GPA
Volleyball (3.288 GPA)