By Matt Cooke
On the evening of Thursday, May 15, 2014, a new tradition began in the Campus Center Ballroom at the University of West Georgia, as the UWG Athletic Department hosted the Inaugural WESTPY Awards Banquet.
Twenty-eight different awards were presented, with categories ranging from Best Blooper to Mr. and Miss Wolf. Each recipient received a beautiful Alpha, which is the award standard now for UWG athletics. The Alpha is West Georgia's version of the Oscar at the Academy Awards. It is a one-of-a-kind award, is not available for purchase and is meant to stand for the best that the University of West Georgia has to offer.
"What a wonderful event to conclude our athletic year," said Athletic Director Daryl Dickey. "We are proud of the job that our players and coaches have done throughout this year, and we are so excited to be able to provide a high-integrity event like the WESTPYs to recognize their achievements."
The more than 250 West Georgia fans in attendance were treated to a pre-event social just outside the ballroom, then entered the facility to the music of the UWG Jazz Ensemble and were able to enjoy a steak dinner before the awards ceremony began.
Coach Dickey opened the event and introduced the emcee for the evening, Sam Crenshaw, who is a graduate of the University of West Georgia mass communications department and an Emmy award-winning sports journalist and anchor for 11Alive News. Mr. Crenshaw, along with presenters Coach Dickey, Senior Associate Athletic Director Eddie Duffy and Assistant Athletic Directors Dave Haase and Laura Clayton, handed out the awards throughout the evening.
The first Alpha was for Best Finish and went to football and former head coach Daryl Dickey, as his squad finished the 2013 season with a flourish, beating Delta State in his final game as coach to close out the year at 6-5 and pave the way for new head coach WIll Hall, who was named the 17th head coach in the history of the program in November. Football was nominated for 14 Alphas this year and won six, both numbers being the most of any team.
Volleyball was second to football, bringing home five Alphas on the evening, including Outstanding Team of Service, Breakthrough Athlete (Melissa Holt), Championship Performance, Team of the Year and Miss Wolf (Holt). Melissa Holt made history as well, becoming the first athlete to receive multiple Alphas, winning the Breakthrough Athlete and Miss Wolf categories.
Miss Wolf and Mr. Wolf are each the highest honors an athlete can receive at West Georgia, and the award is meant to encompass a four-year career with good grades, strong play on the field and a commitment to community service. Along with Holt, Cody Skinner from baseball was named Mr. Wolf.
The Career Achievement Award went to Mary Laza from soccer on the female side and Brandon White on the men's side. Mary’s award was accepted by her father, David, as she is out of the country. Brandon provided one of the more poignant moments of the night, showing emotion while speaking of his admiration and affection for his alma mater.
All-American guard William Wright took home the Alpha for Male Athlete of the Year and softball All-Region performer Nicole Yancey was the Female Athlete of the Year. William’s mother, Patricia, accepted on his behalf, as he is currently in Rookie Camp with the Atlanta Falcons. Nicole spoke fondly of her teammates and the support that they have been for her throughout her career.
Also throughout the evening, the UWG Athletic Department ended the year with drawings for Win With the Wolves, as ticket holders had their names drawn for prizes like Chick-Fil-A for a Year, Season Tickets to Baskeball or Football, 500 Gallons of Gas, a Harley Davidson, a trip to Cabo San Lucas and much more. For the entire list of winners, please visit the following link www.uwgsports.com/news/2014/5/16/GEN_0516145410.aspx.
