SAU Tech Holds Rocket Athletic Banquet

SAU Tech Hosts Rocket Athletic Banquet

group of young college women

On May 3, 2022, Southern Arkansas University Tech celebrated the 2021-22 athletic season with a banquet to honor the athletes and donors. Each team was represented by the head coaches and players for the season. The ceremony also honored Jor'dan Shelton, a Rocket basketball player who passed away in a car accident at the end of the season. Dr. Jason Morrison, SAU Tech's Chancellor, presented her family with a Rocket Hall of Fame plaque and retired Jor'dan's jersey and number. The Chancellor also presented the 2020-21 men's championship team with rings that he and his wife, Stephanie, purchased for the players and coaches.

The following athletes received awards during the event:

Men's Basketball- Coach Martin Levinson

  • Defensive Player of the Year - Kon Choi
  • Offensive Player of the Year  & Rocket Leadership Award - Allen Taylor
  • Most Blocks - Kevis (KJ) Stewart
  • Most Assists & Most Steals - Donovan Vickers
  • Most Improved - Cameron Dismuke

Women's Basketball- Coach Aramie Brooks

  • Rocket Leadership Award: Jordan Shelton
  • Defensive Player of the Year - Sh'Diamond McKnight
  • Offensive Player of the Year - Alexandria Johnson
  • Most Blocks - Mia Hardin
  • Most Assists- Alexandria Johnson
  • Most Steals - Sh'Diamond McKnight
  • Most Improved - Kayla Richardson

Softball - Coaches Philip & Amy Diehl

  • Rocket Leadership Award - Tatyana Tramble
  • Best Batting Average - Anna Cox
  • Best ERA - Karis Robinson
  • Most Home Runs - Tatyana Tramble
  • Best Fielding Percentage - Ciara Victor
  • Best Teammate - Morgan Cruse
  • Most Improved - Jordyn Standley

Cheer Squad - Coach Stephanie Morrison

  • Rocket Leadership Award - Ashley Stith

Participation Awards - Amiee Spells, Brooke Avant, Catherine Rosemore, Hannah Seale, Lainie Jo Parks, Makenzie Larson, Tatiana Lopez, and Vivian Clark.

The Rocket Softball team plays in the regional tournament on Saturday, May 7, 2022. The men's basketball team won regionals and super regionals and went to the national tournament again this year. The women's team won regionals.  The next academic year for SAU Tech will include NJCAA baseball with head coach Tanner Rockwell.

The evening ended with Beth Caswell receiving an award for her volunteer work photographing the softball games and Caine Winans, SAU Tech Physical Plant's Assistant Director, receiving an award for his willingness to help with whatever was needed during the playing season.

Click Here to see our Facebook Album of the event.