JONESBORO, Ark. (4/30/25) – The Arkansas State Athletics Department held its annual student-athletes award banquet, the "State Awards," this week at the Fowler Center, celebrating the Red Wolves' academic success, athletics achievements and community service.
A-State student-athletes were greeted by a red-carpet walk into the facility and enjoyed a social function and dinner as part of the event that featured an "Under the Lights" theme. The banquet was highlight by a recognition of A-State's conference award honorees throughout the year and the announcement of the Red Wolves' major award winners for 2024-25.
Prior to announcing the awards, master of ceremonies Matt Stolz welcomed everyone to the event, and the Red Wolves heard from Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics Jeff Purinton, A-State Chancellor Dr. Todd Shields and former A-State football letterman Darius Dunaway. Dr. Valarie L. Hilson, Assistant Professor of Physical Education and Teacher Education, was named the Athletics Department's Faculty of the Year award winner.
A pair of Sun Belt Conference standouts, 2024 and 2025 Men's Golfer of the Year Thomas Schmidt and 2025 Women's Indoor Field Performer of the Year Michelle Ogbemudia, were the recipients of the Terry Gwin Award. Named after former football player Terry Gwin, the award is based on leadership, citizenship, scholarship and athletic performance.
The Scott and Kay Dawson Award went to Jaylen Raynor, a sophomore on the football team, and Wynter Rogers, a junior on the women's basketball team. The criteria for the award includes, but is not limited to, excellence in service, attitude, loyalty, character and leadership.
The Dr. Tim and Terri Langford Award, the highest academic honor within A-State Athletics was issued to sophomore baseball player Collin Maloney and sophomore women's golfer Anne-Lea Lavoie. The award is presented for excelling academically while demonstrating a commitment to integrity, Arkansas State University and the community.
Senior Kobe Julien of the men's basketball team and junior Daedrianna Cail of the volleyball squad were selected as the Red Wolves' male and female Newcomer of the Year. Earning Freshman of the Year honors were baseball's Jack Hibbard and Lilly Cvanciger of tennis.
Introduced as new awards three years ago, the Heart of a Red Wolf, Pulse of the Pack and Howlin' Heart Award returned as part of the night's event. The Heart of a Red Wolf award went to Cason Tollett of baseball and women's basketball standout Crislyn Rose for persevering to overcome obstacles and exemplifying extraordinary strength in the face of adversity.
The Pulse of the Pack award winners were nominated and chosen by student-athletes and presented to a student-athlete from each team for being an instrumental leader who is dedicated to improving the squad every day through their work ethic, trustworthiness and accountability.
The selections included Raynor, Morgan Beaulieu (women's golf), Zane Butler (men's basketball), Menachem Chen (men's track and field), Izzy Daines (women's track and field), Avery Felts (men's basketball), Anna Griffin (women's basketball), Pierce Johnson (men's golf), Cross Jumper (baseball), Gertie Langford (women's soccer), Sarah Martinez (volleyball), Jacob Pyeatt (men's cross country), Katie Ruszczak (women's bowling), Abigail Thurmer (women's tennis) and Olivia Walter (women's cross country).
The Howlin' Heart Team Award went to the football and volleyball teams. The honor was established to recognize the team that has participated most in A-State's life skills program throughout the year, including community service hours, attending other team's home events, getting involved on campus and engaging in the overall student-athlete experience. The teams were awarded a traveling trophy that stays with the squads the entire year.
Individual Howlin' Heart Awards were presented to Pierce Johnson (men's golf), Jaylen Raynor (football), McKenzie Robinson (women's soccer) and Jessica Schnurr (women's bowling). The individual Howlin' Heart Award goes to the student athletes that have gone above and beyond for the community and earned the most community services hours for the year.
DJ Rediger, Coordinator for Student Services, was named the Student-Athlete Support Staff Member of the Year. The award was voted on by the student-athletes and is given to a staff member that has gone above and beyond to support the student-athletes.
