Nashville --- The Tennessee State University Athletics Department held its annual Awards Banquet on Tuesday, April 15, in Kean Hall.

The program honored teams and individuals for their accomplishments this season and featured a special presentation from the forensics team in addition to a soloist and a guest speaker. During dinner, the guests were treated to a special presentation by Imagine Development Corporation that highlighted moments from the various teams this season.

The night’s top award, Most Outstanding Athlete, went to a couple of athletes that have become accustomed to winning awards, Dominique Rodgers- Cromartie (football) and Dominique Ward- Holmes (women’s track). The Academic Excellence Award recipients were softball’s Bridget Metzger with a 3.875 GPA and football’s Pierre Washington with a GPA of 3.923.

The Academic Center also presented awards to the athletes with the highest GPA on their respective teams. The award recipients were Riley Ervin (men’s basketball), Nikki Rumph (women’s basketball), Franz Holmes (men’s track/field), Jessica Sesson (women’s track/field), Pierre Washington (football), Lawrence Larson (men’s golf), LaToya Moppins (women’s golf), Bridget Metzger (softball), Michael Mosley (men’s tennis), Dania Lofton (women’s tennis), and Kelly Davis (volleyball).

The banquet was capped off with remarks from TSU president, Dr. Melvin Johnson followed by the singing of the alma mater.

Team Award Recipients

Football

Spirit Award- Brandon Williams

Rookie of the Year- Calvin McNabb

Most Improved- Kellen Woodard

Lineman of the Year- Cecil Newton

Special Teams Player of the Year- Eric Benson

Back of the Year- Javarris Williams

Offensive Player of the Year- Chris Johnson

Most Valuable Player- Dominique Rodgers- Cromartie

Men’s Cross Country/ Track & Field

Cross Country Award- Anes Koko

Indoor Award- Buford Williams

Women’s Basketball

Most Valuable Player- Kendra Appling

Men’s Basketball

Civitan Sportsmanship Award- LaDarious Weaver

Academic Award Winner- Riley Ervin

Most Valuable Player- Bruce Price

Volleyball

Most Valuable Player- Kelly Davis

Women’s Cross Country/ Track & Field

Outstanding Cross Country- Danielle Abraham

Indoor Athlete of the Year- Dominique Ward- Holmes