Annual Y Awards Honor Cougars

PROVO -- Brigham Young University athletes, coaches, alumni and Cougar Club members gathered for the seventh annual Y Awards on Wednesday evening, paying tribute to the top student-athletes, coaches and volunteers for their efforts on and off the field.

The ceremony will be televised nationally on BYUTV on May 5 at 8 p.m., May 12 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., and other dates to be announced at a later time.

During the 2009-10 sports season BYU teams won seven Mountain West Conference titles, while Cougar student-athletes earned 142 All-MWC citations. In addition, five athletes were named MWC Athlete of the Year and five coaches were named MWC Coach of the Year. A total of 223 BYU student-athletes were named to the MWC All-Academic team.

BYU Athletics also enjoyed success on a national level, with 31 student-athletes earning All-American honors, and four earning CoSIDA Academic All-America recognition.

In addition to honoring the various national and conference award winners, BYU Athletics presented a variety of Y Awards as well. Candidates for each award were nominated by student-athletes, coaches and administrators. The winner was then selected from among three finalists by a vote of their peers.

The Male Athlete of the Year was awarded to basketball star Jimmer Fredette, who led the MWC in scoring and three-point percentage. Fredette was the USBWA District VIII Player of the Year and named All-America by several organizations. The Male Athlete of the Year is given to the athlete who demonstrates the competitive spirit of desire, dedication, and determination, leading them to the top of competition and serving as an inspiration to both teammates and fans. Max Hall (football) and Kyle Perry (track) were the other finalists for the award.

Fredette was also honored with the Male Crowd Pleaser award and credited with his performance against Arizona for Performance of the Year when he recorded 49 points, a new single-game BYU scoring record and the most points ever scored in the McKale Center.

“I’d just like to thank everybody for voting for me,” Fredette said. “I’m glad to see a lot of athletes here tonight and for all the support I’ve received. Thank you again for this award. I just want to offer congratulations to everyone tonight.”

Lamont Morgan Jr. added another award for the men’s basketball team with his Male Spirit of Sport award. Morgan was one of this year’s team captains as a true competitor who pushes himself and his teammates to improve in practice and game preparations.

With their four awards at this years presentation and their record-setting season, the BYU men’s basketball team was named Men’s Team of the Year after setting a school record with 30 wins. The BYU softball team was named Women’s Team of the Year after making the NCAA Regional for the fifth year in a row in 2009.

"I couldn't be prouder of a group of guys," said BYU men's basketball head coach Dave Rose. "I'd like to thank all of them for all their hard work through the season."

The Female Athlete of the Year was given to Tawni Jones of the Swimming & Diving team who won both the 1-meter and 3-meter springboard events at the MWC championships, placing third on the platform. Jones was named MWC Diver of the Year and garnered MWC diver of the week six times during the season. She placed 13th on the 1-meter board at the NCAA National Championships and 26th on the 3-meter board. Cecily Lemmon-Lew (cross country) and Jessica Purcell-Fitu (softball) were the other finalists for the award.

Lacey Cramer was the first BYU freshman to become an individual national champion by winning the 800-meter race, a feat that earned her the Female Rookie of the Year award. Cramer earned three All-American awards and finished first in the MWC indoor and outdoor 800-meter races.

Male Rookie of the Year award went to basketball player Tyler Haws who was named to the All-MWC third team and led the MWC in free-throw percentage. Haws averaged 11.3 points (15th in the MWC), 4.3 rebounds (20th in the MWC), and 1.5 assists to go with 25 steals.

The play of the year was credited to the BYU football team with their overtime victory overall rival Utah. BYU senior quarterback Max Hall responded to Utah’s field goal by connecting with senior tight end Andrew George for a 25-yard touchdown strike to give the Cougars their 26-23 victory in front of a sold-out crowd at LaVell Edwards Stadium.

“There are some amazing plays that were up for this award,” George said. “These kinds of plays don’t happen by chance. We work for these in the off-season to be able to execute at the right moment so I know a lot of work goes into them. To me, this is a team award. Without the rest of the guys doing their job it wouldn’t happen. “

The Ed Stein Outstanding Senior award was given to Matt Bauman of the football team who earned ESPN the Magazine Academic All-American honord for the second straight year. Other nominees for this award were Cassidy Mears (tennis) and Andrew Stewart (volleyball).

The Lu Wallace Outstanding Senior award was given to Andrea Willis from the women’s soccer team who was named NSCAA All-American and Academic All-American, and MWC defensive player of the year. Other nominees for this award were Meghan Donahue (gymnastics), Natasha Menezes (swim & dive) and Amy Menlove-Otis (track & field).

“I’m so grateful to have been able to play at BYU with my team,” Willis said. “I have met so many amazing people here.”

Walk-on of the year was awarded to Michael Bowen of the baseball team. Bowen was the winner of the Cameron Tukett award, an award given annually to the player who demonstrates consistent effort for the team. Other nominees for this award were Londyn Clawson (women’s swim & dive) and Oliver Whaley (men’s track & field).

The women’s soccer team tallied a second award with Kristi Dow-Jackson receiving the Female Spirit of Sport award. Jackson was named to the Academic All-MWC team and was voted by her teammates to receive the team’s leadership award. Other nominees for this ward were Kristina Doerr (tennis) and Angela Wagner (cross country).

Keith Russell, diving coach, was named Coach of the Year with Bobby Applegate of the baseball team receiving Assistant Coach of the Year.

Comeback Player of the Year was awarded to Haley Hall of the women’s basketball team after coming back from three back-to-back ACL injuries to start every game this season and average nine points per game.

The Cougar Club Memorial Award was given to Mindy McClurkin of the women’s track & field team. McCluckin broke school records in the long jump, 60-meter, 200-meter and 4 x 400 relay team at the MWC championships. Jade Bollinger (women’s golf) and Kevin Sagers (men’s volleyball) were the other nominees for this award.

The Cougar Club also took the time to honor those who have given their time to BYU Athletics, giving Frank Millward the Volunteer of the Year honors. Millward founded the BYU Volunteer Host program.

Over 17 student-athletes were recognized for their outstanding seasons and continued efforts in their respective sports.

Female Rookie of the Year

This award is given to the freshman student athlete who contributes the most in their true freshman or red-shirt freshman year.

Lacey Cramer – Track & Field (indoor & outdoor 2009 season)

-First BYU freshman to become an individual national champion by winning the indoor 800-meter race, securing a No. 3 final national ranking for the indoor track team

-Earned three All-American honors

-Finished first in the MWC indoor and outdoor 800-meter races

Male Rookie of the Year

This award is given to the freshman student athlete who contributes the most in their true freshman or red-shirt freshman year.

Tyler Haws – Basketball

-Averaged 11.3 points (15th in the MWC), 4.3 rebounds (20th in the MWC), and 1.5 assists to go with 25 steals

-Was named to the All-MWC Third Team and led the MWC in free throw percentage (.909)

-Has posted 20-plus points four times: 20 vs. Nevada, 20 at UTEP, 24 vs. Wyoming, and 22 at Wyoming

Ed Stein Outstanding Senior Male

The oldest recognition bestowed upon a BYU male athlete; given to the senior who has the most clearly demonstrated high athletic and academic performance and sportsmanship.

Matt Bauman – Football

-Earned ESPN the Magazine Academic All-American honors for the second straight year and was one of 12 football players nationally to be an NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship recipient

-Named to prestigious National Football Foundation National Scholar Athlete -Class in 2009 and was a finalist for the Campbell Trophy (Academic Heisman)

-Starting middle linebacker totaled 62 tackles, including five tackles for loss, and with three pass breakups; and returned a fumble for a touchdown in BYU’s bowl win over nationally-ranked Oregon State

Lu Wallace Outstanding Senior

Given to the senior female athlete who has most clearly demonstrated high athletic and academic performance and sportsmanship.

Andrea Willis – Soccer

-Named National Soccer Coaches Association All-American and Academic All-American

-First Team All-Conference and MWC Defensive Player of the Year

-Led the team to a national ranking of 14th

Walk-on of the Year

This award is given to a non-scholarship athlete at BYU who plays a significant role on his or her team.

Michael Bowen – Baseball (2009 season)

-Academic All-Mountain West Conference, majoring in business

MWC Player of Week vs. UNLV when he hit .600 (12-for-20), with three home runs, one double, 10 RBI, and seven runs scored as BYU went 3-2 for the week, including a three-game sweep of UNLV. A couple weeks later his walk-off single kept BYU alive in the Conoco MWC Championships.

-Winner of the Cameron Tuckett Award, annually given to the player who demonstrates consistent effort in

academics, citizenship, and baseball with a team-leading 53 RBI

Cougar Club Memorial Awards

Established in memory of eight Cougar Club members who lost their lives in an airplane crash at the Point of the Mountain in November 1965; given to an outstanding junior male or female athlete with high scholarly achievement.

Mindy McClurkin – Women’s Track & Field

-Broke school records in the long jump, 60-meter, 200-meter, and 4 x 400 relay team at the 2010 MWC Championships 2010 MWC 200-meter champion in a school record time of 23.34

-Ranked in top-3 athletes in the MWC in the 60-meter, 200-meter, and long jump, to end the 2010 regular season. At Indoor Nationals placed second in the long jump breaking the all-time BYU record.

Comeback Player of the Year

Presented to the BYU student athlete who has returned to excel at his or her sport after overcoming a serious injury to other difficult circumstances.

Haley Hall – Women’s Basketball

-Suffered three back-to-back ACL injuries and up until this season the most games she’d ever played in was seven,during her freshman season in 2006-07

-In 2009-10 started every game this season and averaged nine points per game, scored double-figures in 10 games, leads the team in three categories: assists, steals, and three-point shooting

-Scored a team- and game-high 24 points at Utah on Jan. 30, the points were also season and career highs

Performance of the Year

This award recognizes great performances over the course of an entire game, match, or meet as opposed to a single outstanding play.

Fredette at Arizona

On Dec. 28, 2009 in Tucson, AZ, All-American guard Jimmer Fredette set a new single-game BYU scoring record with 49 points against Arizona. The junior made 16-of-23 shots, including nine 3-pointers, while adding nine assists, seven rebounds and two steals. The 49-point performance broke a school record that was set 48 years ago by Bob Skousen, who had 47 versus UCLA at the Smith Fieldhouse on Dec. 1, 1961. Fredette’s 49 is also the most points ever scored in the McKale Center, one of college basketball’s most storied arenas.

Crowd Pleaser – Female

Presented to the female athlete whose enthusiasm and outstanding performance have given extra excitement to the crowd.

Kayla Walker – Volleyball

-Posted a career-high 32 kills against SDSU, tying for first in BYU history and earning the third-highest kill

total in MWC history

-Finished the season with six double-doubles and Academic All-MWC honors

-Led her team in kills with over 100 more kills than any of her teammates

Crowd Pleaser – Male

Presented to the male athlete whose enthusiasm and outstanding performance have given extra excitement to the crowd.

Jimmer Fredette – Basketball

-Leads the MWC in scoring (21.7) and three-point percentage (.489) and is second in assists (5.0) and threes per game (2.4)

-Is the motor of BYU’s high-scoring offense, pushing the ball on every possession to create transition opportunities for teammates and himself

-Has scored 33-plus points five times this season, including 49 at Arizona and 36 vs. Utah at home

Floyd Johnson Service Award

Given to a male or female athlete who makes a positive impact in the community and among their teammates.

Cassidy Mears

Cassidy Mears has been involved with the Cougar Council as a representative of the Men’s Tennis Team since 2006. He led the Council as president this past year and earned the respect of all 600 athletes with his unbelievable leadership skills. This Council, under Mears, has served the community by helping with Y Games, 12 Days of Christmas, blood drives, Sports Hero Day, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Thank-A-Thon, and much more. He will leave a legacy of

serving thousands of people in our community with the help of the Council and all of the BYU athletes.

Play of the Year

In athletic competition there are moments where incredible performances engrave themselves into memory. This category honors some of the truly extraordinary plays made this year.

Overtime Touchdown Pass (Hall to George)

After watching rival Utah kick a field goal to take a three-point lead in overtime, BYU senior quarterback Max Hall responded by connecting with senior tight end Andrew George for a 25-yard touchdown strike to give the Cougars

a 26-23 victory in front of a sold-out crowd at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Nov. 28, 2009.

Spirit of Sport Award – Female

Presented in memory of Dr. Leona B. Holbrook; this award is given to the female athlete whose participation best exemplifies the true spirit of sport in athletics and in life.

Kristi Dow-Jackson – Soccer

-Named to the 2009 Academic All-Mountain West Conference Team

-Motivates the team consistently in practice and also on the field while leading warm-ups or cheers during the game

-Chosen by her teammates to be a member of the Cougar Council and voted to receive the Team’s Leadership Award

Spirit of Sport Award – Male

Presented in memory of Dale R. McCann; this award is given to the senior male athlete whose participation best exemplifies the true spirit of sport in athletics and in life.

Lamont Morgan, Jr. – Basketball

-A team captain for BYU’s nationally ranked men’s basketball team

-Brings enthusiasm on and off the court and leads by example

-A true competitor who pushes himself and teammates to improve in practice and game preparations

Female Athlete of the Year

Given to the female athlete who demonstrates the competitive spirit of desire, dedication, and determination, leading them to the top of competition and serving as an inspiration to both teammates and fans.

Tawni Jones – Swim & Diving

-Won both the 1-meter and 3-meter springboard events at the Mountain West Conference Championships and placed third on the platform

-Named Mountain West Conference Diver of the Year and garnered MWC Diver of the Week six times – more than any other swimmer or diver during the 2009–10 season

-Placed 13th on the 1-meter board at the NCAA National Championships and 26th on the 3-meter board.

Male Athlete of the Year

Given to the male athlete who demonstrates the competitive spirit of desire, dedication, and determination, leading them to the top of competition and serving as an inspiration to both teammates and fans.

Jimmer Fredette – Basketball

-Led the MWC in scoring (21.7) and three-point percentage (.448), was second in free throw percentage (.896), and third in assists (4.7), threes per game (2.4) and assist/turnover ratio (1.8)

-Earned All-MWC First Team honors, was named USBWA District VIII Player of the Year, and Sporting News All-American Third Team; is a candidate for the Wooden Award and Naismith Trophy (national player of the year awards)

-Has scored 33-plus points six times this season, including 49 at Arizona, 45 vs. TCU in the MWC Tournament, and 36 vs. Utah at home

Team of the Year

Men's Basketball

Women’s Softball