Wednesday, April 20, 2005
Cooksey, Keener, and Kendall earn top
USI awards at Integra Bank All-Sports Banquet
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In an evening that celebrates the accomplishments of the University of Southern Indiana student athletes during the last year, junior Heather Cooksey (cross country/track), senior Matt Keener (baseball), and senior Brian Kendall (cross country/track) were recognized as the top student athletes at the USI/Integra Bank All-Sports Banquet Sunday evening. The USI/Intregra Bank Female Student Athlete of the Year, Cooksey has accomplished more in three years as a Screaming Eagle than most student athletes do in four years. And, she is not done yet. The native of Brownsburg, Indiana, is an amazing eight-time All-American after a fourth-place 5,000-meter finish at the NCAA Division II Indoor Track Championships in March. In addition to her All-America honors, she was the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track national champion in the 3,000-meters, holds 14 school records, and has been named the GLVC Scholar Athlete of the Year twice. “It is difficult to put into words just how large of an impact Heather has made within our program and the University,” said USI cross country/track Head Coach Mike Hillyard. “The award speaks volumes, but it goes well beyond that. Heather is the most driven, determined competitor I have ever had the privilege to work with. “Everytime she steps on the track, you just expect that something big is going to happen; and it usually does,” continued Hillyard. “I am extremely proud and count it a great privilege to be Heather Cooksey’s coach.” Cooksey follows former teammate Jenny Farmer (cross country/track) in receiving the award. The first recipient was Shannon Wells (volleyball). The USI/Integra Bank Male Student Athlete of the Year, Keener has been one of the most versatile baseball players in the history of the program. The first-ever Academic All-American in the history of the baseball program, Keener is a two-time All-GLVC performer splitting time between being a rightfielder, a first baseman, and a right-handed pitcher. In 2005, Keener leads the Eagles in home runs (4), RBIs (27), slugging percentage (.533) and ranks second in batting average (.342). On the mound, he ranks first on the squad in ERA (3.06). Keener follows Duncan Bray (soccer), a two-time recipient of the award. Recently, the native of Newburgh, Indiana, received the 2005 Trustees Distinguished Merit Award. The award is the most prestigious award given out during the honors convocations held for each academic school at USI. The Trustees Distinguished Merit Award recognizes outstanding achievement not only in the student's major but also in the liberal arts and sciences that form the core curriculum of a college education. Each school nominates one student for the award. The award is presented to one junior or senior at USI who best qualifies by virtue of the overall integrity of his or her student life. Selection is made by the Student Affairs Committee. “I have know for a couple of years that Matt would be the best candidate for this award his senior year,” said USI baseball Head Coach Mike Goedde. “Matt has demonstrated an ability to juggle athletics and academics and to be extremely successful at both. He has a great amount of versatility on the baseball field by being both a pitcher and a hitter. “Matt also has shown that same versatility with his involvement in several social organizations on the USI campus,” continued Goedde. “Not many students are able to as involved and be as successful as Matt Keener.” One of the most dynamic and enthusiastic student athletes, Kendall is the winner of the “USI/Integra Bank Screaming Eagles Pride” award. The native of Elizabeth, Indiana, is a four-year member of the USI cross country and track teams and is the 2005 president of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee. Kendall will be best remembered for his actions in cheering on his fellow student athletes. He has become recognizable as the leader of the basketball end zone student section and with face painted and wearing a Tina Turner style wig, would lead the men’s basketball team onto the court, carrying the USI flag. “Brian has been at the center of everything that has anything to do with USI Athletics for the last four years,” said Hillyard. “While Brian has contributed in cross country and track, his largest contributions have come off the track. “As president of the SAAC, Brian has helped a great deal to enhance the collegiate experience for all of USI’s student athletes,” Hillyard continued. “His energy level is astounding and like the Energizer Bunny, he just keeps going, and going, and going. “ “Brian has been a huge asset to our department,” said USI Director of Athletics Jon Mark Hall. “His enthusiasm is contagious and his drive to help all of our programs succeed is appreciated by everybody. Brian has single-handedly helped bring more students to athletic events." |
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