Inaugural Marty's Gala Recognizing Athletic Excellence
Sandhills Community College hosted the inaugural Marty's Gala on Friday April 26th, 2024 in the Hangar, celebrating the dedication and achievements of the school's student-athletes both on and off the courts and course.
The evening commenced with the presentation of the first award by athletic academic advisor Marsha Apke, honoring students who maintained a GPA of 3.0 or higher during the fall semester. Thirty outstanding students were recognized for their academic excellence, including notable names such as Mike Fee, Isaiah Nelson, Zach Riddle, Xavion White, Demyron Williams, and Tre Williams from the basketball team, Daniel Aitken, Landon Cabingas, Watcharakan (Fifa) Chankarn, Evan Cowell, Randy Hanna, Liam Harris, Nicholas Howard, and Ben Read from the men's golf team, and Rachel Adams, Olivia Barlowe, Rachel Burley, and Alexis Hinson from the beach volleyball team. Also honored were Caroline Bradford, Emma Brown, Aydan Bullard, Ellie Everhart, Sydney Garner, Zoey Hall, Izzy Hopkins, Lannah Huneycutt, Cassidy Jewett, Nikki Lambert, Jenna Luquer, and Lainey Mullins from the indoor volleyball team.
Following the individual recognitions, the spotlight turned to the teams, as volleyball coach Alicia Riggan, basketball coach Mike Apple, men's golf coach Gus Ulrich, and women's golf coach Herb Pike presented awards to standout players. Ben Read was awarded the High Flyer Award, and Watcharakan Chankarn received the Ironman Award for the men's golf team, while Mya Goodyear earned the Most Improved Award for the women's golf team. Lainey Mullins secured the Hustle Award for indoor volleyball, and Caroline Bradford was recognized as the Impact Player. In beach volleyball, Rachel Adams claimed the Most Improved Award, and Alyssa Maragelis and Alexis Hinson were named the Best Pair. For the basketball team, Zach Riddle was honored with the Best Teammate Award.
Zach Riddle also nabbed the Male Flyer Award, while Olivia Barlowe received the Female Flyer Award, recognizing student-athletes who not only excel individually but also uplift those around them. JP and Lauren Easterly were bestowed with the Good "Stewart" Award for their outstanding contributions to Sandhills Athletics, operating behind the scenes.
Concluding the evening, graduating sophomores were recognized and presented with student-athlete stoles for the upcoming graduation ceremony. The class of 2024 includes Dajsha Fields, Alyssa Maragelis, Ny'Asia McKinnon, Lannah Huneycutt, and Izzy Hopkins from indoor volleyball, Alexis Hinson from beach volleyball, Zach Riddle, Jamal Williams, Isaiah Nelson, Chad Kinch, and Jamori McDougald from the basketball team, and Watcharakan Chankarn and Supanat Rujiranan from the men's golf team.
Sandhills extends its gratitude to all who contributed to the success of the inaugural Marty's Gala, including coaches, parents, fans, contributors, and above all, the student-athletes, making the 2023-2024 season a remarkable year for Flyers Athletics.
T. Ratcliff