May 7, 2014

PRINCESS ANNE, Md. - It was a great night to be a Hawk at the first ever "The Harrys" on Tuesday night as the athletics department hosted its 2013-14 athletics award banquet. The venue was perfect and provided those in attendance with a big screen type atmosphere, much like that of the Oscars. The Harry showcased red carpet, good food and guest announcers.

The UMES Athletes of the Year were announced by Associate Director of External Affairs, G. Stan Bradley, who named senior outfielder Stephen Bull (Millsboro, Del.) and senior bowler Megan Buja (Rockford, Ill.) with their respective honors. Bull recently claimed two national player of the week honors and nearly broke the all-time NCAA consecutive hits record, while Buja averaged a 204.5 with a high of 280 for the MEAC champion bowling team.

UMES' 2014 Hawk of the Year was presented to Faculty Athletic Representative, Dr. Henry Brooks. The 2012 UMES Athletics Hall of Fame honoree is the longest serving faculty member at UMES and is a representative for the MEAC. He has had influence with every student-athlete that has donned a Hawk uniform and has spent 25 years working at the university. He has worked with five presidents, four athletic directors and three MEAC Commissioners at UMES.

The show began with President Dr. Julliette B. Bell giving the welcome address, before those with outstanding academic achievements were honored at center stage.

Next, the individual team awards were given out:

Baseball: Stephen Bull (Most Valuable), Mike Escanilla (Coaches Award), Justin Dattilo (Rookie of the Year)
Bowling: Megan Buja and Marianna Alvarado (Co-Most Valuable), Valerie Riggin (Coaches Award), Sarah Pelayo (Rookie of the Year)
Golf: Norman Blanco (Most Valuable), Keun Park (Rookie of the Year), Mike Veverka (Coaches Award)
Softball: Morgan King (Most Valuable), Kelly Cullen (Rookie of the Year), Emily Diseroad (Most Improved)
Cheerleading: Detia Hilliard (Most Valuable), Kalesa Davis (Most Improved), Terria Wright (Coaches Award)
Men's Basketball: Troy Snyder (Most Valuable), Devin Walker (Coaches Award), Ishaq Pitt (Coaches Award)
Women's Basketball: Jessica Long (Most Improved), Mariah McCoy (Rookie of the Year), Shanyce Stewar (Coaches Award)
Men's Tennis: Wirlen Elame (Most Valuable), KJ McClay (Most Improved), Wayne Heath (Coaches Award)
Women's Tennis: Rein Fowajuh (Most Valuable), Jasmine Jennings (Coaches Award), Petra Jerabkova (Rookie of the Year)
Men's Outdoor Track and Field: Dillon Simon (Most Valuable Field), Aaron Chapman (Most Valuable Track), Jared Kerr (Rookie of the Year), Rico Taylor (Coaches Award)
Women's Outdoor Track and Field: Shawnata Young (Most Valuable Field), Gayon Evans (Most Valuable Track), Evelyn Chappell (Rookie of the Year), Shantol Hemley (Coaches Award)
Men's Indoor Track and Field: Dillon Simon (Most Valuable Field), Khalil Rmidi Kinnini (Most Valuable Track), Jared Kerr (Rookie of the Year), Aaron Chapman (Coaches Award)
Women's Indoor Track and Field: Shawnata Young (Most Valuable Field), Gayon Evans (Most Valuable Track), Shelasia Leitch (Rookie of the Year), Jheniel Kelly (Coaches Awards)
Volleyball: Jingqiao Li (Most Valuable), Precious Manu (Most Improved), Sonia Rosales (Rookie of the Year)
Men's Cross Country: Khalil Rmidi Kinnini (Most Valuable), Khalil Rmidi Kinnini (Rookie of the Year), Nassar Whitehead (Coaches Award), Derrick Cheriuyot (Most Improved)
Women's Cross Country: Rachel Halmon (Most Valuable), Rachel Halmon (Rookie of the Year), Margret Wilmot-Francis (Most Improved)

The Quantum Leap Award, given to the team with the biggest improvements as a whole for the year, was presented to the Men's Outdoor Track and Field as announced by Assistant Director of Sports Medicine, Pat Nativio.

The Team of Scholars was given to baseball for the men and bowling for the women, while the Jostens' Award for Sportsmanship honored K.J. McClay (Golf) and Shawnee Sweeney (Women's Basketball). UMES' Business Manager, Marvin Blye, presented the awards.

UMES Scholar Athlete of the Year was given to Ishaq Pitt (Men's Basketball) and Megan Buja (Bowling) and the Hawk Appreciation Award went to longtime Hawk supporters, Neil and Tori Widdowson.

For complete recaps, results and news of Hawk athletics, please visit www.umeshawks.com