April 27, 2003
Photo Gallery
COLLEGE PARK, Md. -
The Maryland Athletics Department held its 2003 President's Cup Banquet on Sunday, April 26. The banquet, which honored Maryland's elite student-athletes for their off-field prowess in the areas of academics and community service over the past year, featured the awarding of the annual "M" Club awards, which recognize individual student-athletes for their contributions in all aspects of their careers.
Highlighting the banquet was the presentation of the President's Cup to the men's and women's teams with the highest cumulative grade point average for the past year and the CHAMPS/Lifeskills awards for the men's and women's teams who have best exemplified the positive qualities that the CHAMPS program has adopted: academic excellence, athletic excellence, commitment to career development, commitment to personal development and commitment to service. This year, the men's cross country team and the women's gymnastics team have captured the President's Cup, with football and gymnastics taking the CHAMPS/Lifeskills team awards.
The "M" Club also presented its annual awards at the banquet. Football standout E.J. Henderson won two awards while women's track's Natalie Dye also took home two. This year's award-winners included:
Talbott T. Speer Award (presented to the male athlete who has excelled in leadership, scholarship, and has exhibited general all-around ability): Drew Nicholas, Men's Basketball
Charles P. McCormick Award (presented to the male or female athlete from the Baltimore area who is adjudged to have contributed the most to athletics during their senior year): Natalie Dye, Women's Track
John W. Guckeyson Award (presented to a male athlete based on scholarship, leadership and superior athletic ability): Steve Blake, Men's Basketball
Founders Award (presented to the male or female senior student-athlete who has exhibited outstanding athletic ability, academic excellence, upright character, and distinguished citizenship): Tahj holden, Men's Basketball
Charles H. Beebe Memorial Award (presented to a female graduating senior who attained the highest grade point average during her career and who has lettered in her sport): Natalie Dye, Women's Track
James H. Kehoe Award (presented to a female student athlete, from the State of Maryland, who has symbolized the commitment, dedication, spirit and will to win and excelled in athletics during her senior year): Toni Jefferson, Women's Track
Sylvester Watch Award (for excellence in athletics to the male athlete who typified the best in college athletics): E.J. Henderson, Football
Maryland Watch Award in memory of Charles L. Linhardt, Jr., (presented to the male student who is adjudged the best athlete of the year from the state of Maryland): E.J. Henderson, Football
Geary F. Eppley Award (presented to the graduating male senior athlete who during his four years of varsity competition, lettered at least once and attained the highest scholastic average): Eric Fehnel, Wrestling
Suzanne Tyler Award (presented to the female student adjudged the best athlete of the year): Carissa Messimer, Field Hockey
The President's Cup Award Ceremony began in 1997 with the desire of the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics to recognize outstanding academic achievement and community service by our student athletes. Former Maryland football player Jess Atkinson, the school record-holder for career field goals, PATs and most points kicking, emceed the banquet. Atkinson was an honorable mention All-American and also played in the NFL for the New York Giants, St. Louis, Washington and Indianapolis.
