Middle Tennesee State University Athletics
Blue Raiders honored at Dinner of Champions
4/28/2016 10:13:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Jacob Ivory wins Coach Jimmy Earle Award
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Members of the Blue Raider men's basketball team, coaches and support staff met for their annual Dinner of Champions to recognize the accomplishments of the previous year, both on and off the court, Wednesday night.
Veteran Head Coach Kermit Davis had a surprise in store for those in attendance at the conclusion of the event when he unveiled the Coach Jimmy Earle Award, an honor given to the student-athlete who most exemplifies the culture of Blue Raider basketball in their attitude and actions on and off the court.
Jacob Ivory became the first ever recipient of the prestigious award. The sophomore from Jackson, Miss., battled injuries throughout the season but never failed to provide leadership and support for his teammates.
"This is the first individual award we have given since I have been here in 14 years and it really honors a tremendous leader of this program in Jimmy Earle," Davis said. "Jacob really epitomizes what this award is about."
The annual event provided an opportunity to gather as a team and community to remember the historic 25-win season and NCAA Tournament appearance while honoring the Blue Raider student-athletes for their hard work and success.
Davis kicked the night off by presenting gifts from the NCAA Tournament to each player, coach and member of the support staff that has been a part of the Blue Raider program throughout the year.
The coaching staff then honored four Blue Raiders who have put in exceptional work in the classroom this season as well, presenting Edward Simpson and Chase Miller their Conference USA Academic Medal Winner awards and Karl Gamble and Stephen Strachan with their Conference USA Commissioner's Honor Roll awards.
"We have great appreciation for Tim and Pam Keach for opening up their home to our team every year for this event," Davis said. "It was a wonderful evening for blue raider basketball and a tremendous crowd. Our guys really enjoyed the evening and receiving their NCAA Tournament gifts."
Veteran Head Coach Kermit Davis had a surprise in store for those in attendance at the conclusion of the event when he unveiled the Coach Jimmy Earle Award, an honor given to the student-athlete who most exemplifies the culture of Blue Raider basketball in their attitude and actions on and off the court.
Jacob Ivory became the first ever recipient of the prestigious award. The sophomore from Jackson, Miss., battled injuries throughout the season but never failed to provide leadership and support for his teammates.
"This is the first individual award we have given since I have been here in 14 years and it really honors a tremendous leader of this program in Jimmy Earle," Davis said. "Jacob really epitomizes what this award is about."
The annual event provided an opportunity to gather as a team and community to remember the historic 25-win season and NCAA Tournament appearance while honoring the Blue Raider student-athletes for their hard work and success.
Davis kicked the night off by presenting gifts from the NCAA Tournament to each player, coach and member of the support staff that has been a part of the Blue Raider program throughout the year.
The coaching staff then honored four Blue Raiders who have put in exceptional work in the classroom this season as well, presenting Edward Simpson and Chase Miller their Conference USA Academic Medal Winner awards and Karl Gamble and Stephen Strachan with their Conference USA Commissioner's Honor Roll awards.
"We have great appreciation for Tim and Pam Keach for opening up their home to our team every year for this event," Davis said. "It was a wonderful evening for blue raider basketball and a tremendous crowd. Our guys really enjoyed the evening and receiving their NCAA Tournament gifts."
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