BEAUMONT, Texas — From Lamar Athletics
Although 2018-19 athletics calendar has not yet come to an end, the Lamar University coaches and student-athletes walked the red carpet at the Montagne Center to honor the year at the inaugural Cardinal Choice Awards. Coaches and athletes from all 17 of LU's varsity sports got dressed up to cheer on the current crop of winners, as well as set the stage for a successful 2019-20 season.
"This night is all about our student-athletes," said LU Director of Athletics Marco Born. "Over the course, of a long season they provide not only our fans with so many reasons to cheer and get excited, but every employee of Lamar University as well. We wanted to do something to let the know we appreciate all their hard work and doing it a fun setting where they can all be together at the same time."
LU handed out 15 awards Wednesday evening, including one which was voted on by the student-athletes at the event – best dressed team. The awards handed out were for male and female freshman of the year, play of the year, best individual performance, best team performance, men's and women's team of the year, best record-breaking performance, male and female student-athlete of the year, team GPA award, fan of the year and men's and women's Presidential Award.
The awards show kicked off at 7 p.m. at the Montagne Center, and the student-athletes entered by making their way down the red carpet. KFDM-TV news anchor Greg Kerr served as the emcee, while several other local television and radio personalities served as award presenters.
The award winners are as follows:
- Male Freshman of the Year – Hugo Hellman (Men's Golf)
- Female Freshman of the Year – Sandra Nygaard
- Play of the Year – Football blocks field goal and returns for game-winning score against UIW
- Best Individual Performance – Jamie Crowe wins NCAA South Central Region Championships
- Best Team Performance – Women's basketball upsets No. 17 Texas A&M
- Men's Team of the Year – Football
- Women's Team of the Year – Basketball
- Best Record-Breaking Performance – Chastadie Barrs
- Male Student-Athlete of the Year – Garrett Bowery
- Female Student-Athlete of the Year – Moe Kinard
- Team GPA Award – Women's Tennis
- Fan of the Year – Jamarcus Corks
- Best Dressed Team of the Year – Softball
- Men's Presidential Award – Jamie Crowe
- Women's Presidential Award – Maddy Myers