Student athletes traded their uniforms for formal wear for the second annual Lippy Awards Wednesday evening in Allen Arena.
The Lippys honor athletes, coaches and others who contribute in various ways to Lipscomb sports teams.
Before the show, guests enjoyed live music from Marquee Mayfield and showed off their formal wear at photo booths. The show was hosted by soccer coach Chris Klotz and cross county coach Marcus Evans.
To begin, the James R. Byers Award was presented to senior field thrower April Terry and senior baseball player Josh Lee. It is the highest award given to student-athletes.
Terry quoted the Mary Mary song “God in Me” in her acceptance speech, saying, “I hope that you see that I’m really not that outstanding, but all of the accolades, the records, the titles – it’s all God working.”
Lee, who made his way from Vandy to Central Arizona College and finally landed at Lipscomb, said that he’s blessed for the opportunities at Lipscomb.
“This is a great accomplishment, but the one thing I’ll remember is all the relationships I’ve built with my teammates,” Lee said.
Golfer Dawson Armstrong and cross country runner Paige Stoner took home the male and female Freshman of the Year awards. Senior soccer player Luke Gearin won International Player of the Year.
Women’s soccer coach Kevin O’Brien received the Don Meyer Head Coach of the Year for his inspiration to the athletic program.
“I think I have the best job in the world,” O’Brien said. “I’m so thankful to get to work with the girls I work with every day.”
Luke Syverson, who coaches track and field, was awarded Assistant Coach of the Year.
The Bison Cup, which is awarded to the team that earned the most points in competition, went to the volleyball team.
Concession attendant Phillip “Pitbull” Beeman received the Our Team award for going above and beyond in his contribution to Lipscomb athletics.
For Best Moment, athletics administrative assistant Sherry Phillips was honored for the 34 years she spent at Lipscomb before retiring this year.
The volleyball team won Best Comeback for their 3-2 win against Kansas, when they won their final three sets after two losses.
The women’s cross country team won the best record-breaking performance for winning the A-Sun championship four years in a row.
Terry won the Matt Deery Award for her inspiration to others. In a surprising twist, she called senior sprinter Kenny Smith to the stage and gave him the award.
“You’re there through thick and definitely through thin,” Terry said. “I want to give this to you.”
Senior volleyball player Lauren Ford won scholar-athlete of the year for her academic performance and the impact she has made on her team.
Inspirational Seniors of the Year went to Ford, softball player Gracey Aguirre and baseball player Will Blalock.
Female athlete of the year went to junior Madi Talbert for cross country, and senior Gemikal Prude received the male athlete award for track and field.
The “Best Game Face” was determined by audience voting via Twitter before the show, and softball’s Kelly Young won the award.
Finally, the team of the year went to the softball team for their outstanding academic and athletic performance as well as their significant involvement in outreach.
Carousel photo courtesy of Lipscomb University
Photo gallery by Sam Webb