Student-Athletes Honored at Devine Banquet and Starner Speaker Series
5/4/2018 10:22:00 AM | General
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The Kent State athletic department's top honors were given out this past Sunday at the 35th annual Judith K. Devine Athletic Academic Honors Banquet and Starner Distinguished Speaker Series. Â Student-athletes (with grade point averages above 3.0) joined coaches, staff members and guests, recognizing the 2017-18 academic year.Â
Matt Bahr (football) and Brooke Timko (gymnastics) were co-recipients of the Judith K. Devine Excellence in Leadership Award, presented to student-athletes who exhibit outstanding leadership in all facets of life. Bahr served president of Kent State's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and was appointed to the Mid-American Conference Student-Athlete Executive Committee. Timko was the driving force behind the gymnastics team's pink meets, which raised $40,000 in her time at Kent State, benefitting breast cancer treatment.
Ines Delpech (field hockey) and Jordan Korinek (women's basketball) were co-recipients of the Janet Bachna Award, presented to a Kent State senior female student-athlete who displays athletic, academic and leadership excellence. Delpech was an NFHCA All-American and three-time All-MAC First Team selection, carrying a 4.0 GPA. Korinek also carries a 4.0 and was named to the CoSIDA Academic All-America First Team.
Ian Holt (men's golf) earned the Merle Wagoner Award, given to the Kent State male senior student-athlete that best exemplifies athletic, academic and leadership achievement. Holt is a two-time MAC Golfer of the Year and earned PING All-American honors in 2017.
The Kennedy Award went to the women's golf team. One week earlier, the Golden Flashes won their 20th straight MAC Women's Golf Championship in record-breaking fashion. Last season, the Flashes finished 5th at the NCAA Championships.                                                                                                                                                                Â
Mason Mamarella (baseball) and Sam Tollerud (women's track & field) were announced as winners of the MAC Medal of Excellence is an award, presented annually to one male and one female student-athlete who showed evidence of academic success, athletic excellence, leadership and service. Mamarella was an-conference selection, while Tollerud holds the school record in the outdoor pole vault.                                                                                   Â
The Courage Award was presented in memory of Cara Neumann, whose family accepted on her behalf. The award goes to a student-athlete, staff member or supporter of Kent State Athletics who showed exceptional courage and determination in the past year.  The Courage Award is the only award of the event that is not annual, but given in special circumstances to deserving individuals.  Neumann inspired many Kent State athletes during her battle with cancer.
The event is named for Judy Devine, who is considered the matriarch of Kent State athletics. Devine served the athletic department for 31 years in various administrative, academic and coaching roles.
Former football player Len Hairston served as the as the evening's guest speaker as part of the Starner Distinguished Speaker Series. Hairston currently serves as President and CEO of Happy Faces Family of Companies. Named for Kent State alumni Buzz and Marilyn Starner, the annual Starner Speaker Series exposes current student-athletes to alumni who have successfully transferred lessons from athletic competition and student involvement to meaningful careers. Â
Players Mentioned
