North Carolina State University Athletics
Student-Athlete Banquet Honors MVPs
4/22/2009 12:00:00 AM | Pack Athletics
BY BONA JONES
RALEIGH, N.C. The last Tuesday of the school year at NC State always brings with it the annual All-Sports Banquet. This is a welcomed event by the athletes, because it offers everyone a needed break during dead week, which could probably be renamed death week because of the amount of work that tends to be due during this time. A catered buffet, recognitions of the most valuable players from each team and a highlight video are the featured attractions of the event.
The conference room at the McKimmon center was nicely decorated, complete with centerpieces on each table. Case caters the event each year, and they tend to pull off the meal with flying colors. This time was no exception, with pasta, chicken, potatoes, and pecan pie highlighting the menu.
Everyone -- student-athletes, trainers, coaches, and guests -- had a half-hour to eat and socialize, followed by some opening remarks.
This year’s banquet featured something unique honoring two individual national champions, platform diver Kristin Davies and wrestler Darrion Caldwell. Each received a standing ovation from the filled banquet room.
Two other people were remembered and missed greatly at Tuesday night’s banquet. Most people know about the late Kay Yow, the Hall of Fame women’s basketball coach who died in January. But most athletes were just as familiar with Kay Brewer, who for the last five years, has been the receptionist at the front door of the Weisiger-Brown Building. She passed away last week.
Her memory was honored by presenting her with the advisor of the year award, accepted by her husband, Dickie. While not an official advisor, Mrs. Brewer always offered advice, kind words and a smile to everyone who walked through the front door of the athletics department, and she is certainly deserving of the recognition. Tears were present in the eyes of many people as a slideshow was played with pictures of Kay, whom we will always remember.
To close the banquet, diver Austin Hampton gave his reflections on his four years at NC State and everyone watched a video highlighting the athletics achievements of 2008-09.
Annual All-Sports Banquet Award Winners
Baseball: Matt Payne
M. Basketball: Tracy Smith
W. Basketball: Shayla Fields
M. Cheerleading: Jordan Ford
W. Cheerleading: Erika Armwood
M. Cross Country: Bobby Mack
W. Cross Country: Emily Pritt
Football: Russell Wilson
M. Golf: Matt Hill
W. Golf: Lauren Doughtie
Gymnastics: Taylor Seaman
Rifle: Kathryn Siegert
M. Soccer: Ronnie Bouemboue
W. Soccer: Tami Kreszewski
Softball: Shanna Smith
M. Swimming: Mason McGee
W. Swimming: Anna Linkenauger
Diving: Kristin Davies
M. Tennis: Jay Weinacker
W. Tennis: Lenka Hojckova
M. Indoor Track & Field: Bobby Moldovan
W. Indoor Track & Field: Lawanda Henry
M. Outdoor Track & Field: Stephen Furst
W. Outdoor Track & Field: DeMiracle Washington
Volleyball: Arlee Tamietti
Wrestling: Darrion Caldwell
Student Athletics Trainer: Jordan Bunn
ImPACK Competition Award: Women's Swimming & Diving ACC
Top 6 For Service
Wayne Crawford-Football
Bobby Floyd-Football
Briana Grover-W. Swimming
Austin Hampton-M. Diving
Meredith Parrilla-W. Soccer
Brenda Stanton-W. Track & Field
Best Support Staff: Kay Brewer
Kay Yow Award: Briana Grover
H.C. Kennett Award: Darrion Caldwell-Wrestling
Kristen Davies-W. Diving
