The Missouri Western State University Department of Athletics, in conjunction with the St. Joseph News-Press, will celebrate the success of its student-athletes both on and off of the field as part of the 14th Annual Missouri Western State University/St. Joseph News-Press Student-Athlete Honors Banquet to be held Monday, April 29th at 6:30 PM in the Fulkerson Center on the MWSU campus.

Griffon Athletics will honor 11 student-athletes as their respective sports’ “Student-Athlete of the Year” along with numerous team and individual achievements which have taken place over the past calendar year.

Also as part of the evening, Griffon Athletics will recognize recently retired Head Men’s Basketball Coach Tom Smith and Head Athletic Trainer Myron Unzicker who will retire at the end of the season as Silver Anniversary Award Winners.  Recipients of the award display the characteristics of Integrity, Dedication, Leadership, a Commitment to Excellence and an obligation to serve as a concerned partner in their community throughout the past 25 years.

Current Griffon student-athletes who have been chosen as their respective sports’ Student-Athlete of the Year include; Cedric Clinkscales (Men’s Basketball), Jacob Cunning (Cheer Squad), Michael Hill (Football), James O’Brien (Men’s Golf), Brandon Simmons (Baseball), Alicia Bell (Women’s Basketball), Natalie Bird (Women’s Golf), Ceara Boldridge (Women’s Tennis), Ashlyn Castillo (Women’s Soccer), Stephanie Hattey (Volleyball) and Keri Lorbert (Softball).

All of the above individuals are finalists for the Missouri Western State University/St. Joseph News-Press Male and Female Student-Athlete of the Year Award which will be announced during the banquet.  MWSU will also recognize the top graduating senior student-athlete based on highest cumulative GPA with the James J. McMillen Award and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee’s Volunteer of the Year which recognizes a student-athlete that has contributed outstanding service in the local community.

The event is open to the public at a cost of $25 per person. Griffon Athletics is accepting reservations through Thursday, April 25. Those interested in attending may RSVP at (816) 271-4481. Seating is limited.  Seating will begin at 6:00 PM followed by the program and dinner beginning at 6:30 PM.

— MWSU Sports Information —