General | 4/21/2009 9:24:40 PM

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - As the academic year comes to a close, the Methodist University athletic department celebrated another year of high achievements with its annual award ceremony.

For the first time, those in attendance were treated to a complete dinner from Brick Oven Pizzeria, Food Lion and Pepsi. After the meal, awards were presented to recognize the student-athletes for their accomplishments this year.

USA South Commissioner Rita Wiggs was in attendance to present the Rita Wiggs Courageous Monarch Award to men's soccer player Evan Monteiro. Monteiro overcame a heart condition this past fall to lead his team while earning all-conference honors.

Associate athletic director, senior woman administrator and women's basketball coach DeeDee Jarman recognized 113 student-athletes named Methodist Scholar Athletes with a 3.0 or better cumulative grade point average. Eight student-athletes earned Senior Scholar Athlete awards with a 3.4 or better cumulative grade point average. Caline Daun (Softball), Sara Dickson (Women's Golf), Shantell Dustin (Athletic Training), #A.B. Lehmann# (Men's Basketball), Sara Poling (Softball), Brandon Stoudemire (Football), Kayla Talbert (Softball, Athletic Training), and Sara Yeatman all received plaques.

Team and individual honors were recognized for each sport before Methodist director of athletics Bob McEvoy presented the Honorary Monarchs. The awards are given to those who go outside their call of duty for Methodist athletics. Men's soccer wanted to recognize their supporters and the cheerleading team nominated Chick-fil-A a fervent supporter of the Monarchs this past year. Zach Wolff, a Methodist sophomore, became the voice of the Monarchs this year as he worked tirelessly doing public address announcing for soccer, basketball, baseball and softball games all without pay. Methodist Professional Tennis Management director Pete Peterson was also recognized for his support of the tennis teams over the years, particularly traveling to USA South Championships.

Kayla Talbert and Matt Bova were recognized as the Female and Male Outstanding Senior Athletes of the Year and cheerleading coach Melissa Hay received a five-year service award for her time with Methodist athletics. Unable to attend due to a game conflict, baseball head coach Tom Austin is completing his 30th year with the Monarchs.

Bobby Bell spent many years taking care of the March F. Riddle Center, home to many of the athletic programs at Methodist. In recognition of his service, the Bobby Bell Good Works Award was presented to recognize a student-athlete who goes above and beyond. Women's basketball player and Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) president, Zan Messer, was named this year's recipient for all of her hard work off the basketball court.

USA South Athletic Conference champions women's tennis and men's golf were recognized along with All-Americans Tazz Petty and Ashlynn Chavis in addition to the 56 student-athletes who received USA South All-Conference honors this year.

McEvoy and Messer closed the evening congratulating all of the student-athletes and coaches for another successful year.