April 16, 2009
Two Bluffton University seniors and a devoted coach were recognized during the institution's annual Athletics Awards Forum on April 14. Rory Nicol, a former Ohio State Buckeyes tight end, spoke to faculty, staff and students about turning passion into success.
Nicol shared lessons that he learned while playing football for Coach Jim Tressel, including those learned during an injury prior to his sophomore year. Nicol explained how success can come from situations that most people would not think of as successful. "Even if you lose the game, if you reached a personal best accomplishment, you were successful," said Nicol.
After Nicol's presentation, two senior athletes were recognized for their performances on the field and in the classroom. The A.C. Burcky Award went to Kyle Rode, a health and wellness major from Delphos, Ohio, for his outstanding football career. He has accrued a variety of awards, including four All-Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) selections and an All-Midwest region nomination. "Kyle Rode is a self-motivator and has a work ethic matched by none," said head football coach Tyson Veidt. "A team cannot have too many Kyle Rodes. He will be missed here at Bluffton."
The Katherine E. Little Award was presented to Lindsey Miller, a health and physical education major from Wapakoneta, Ohio, for her record-setting career in softball. Miller was named HCAC Female Athlete of the Month twice, and she was HCAC MVP in 2008 while helping to lead the Beavers to a regular season co-championship the same year. She holds Bluffton career records for most hits, most RBI and most home runs, along with the highest batting average and slugging percentage. This season, Miller is leading the HCAC in home runs and RBI.
The Larry W. Jones Memorial Award was presented to Lou Stokes, an assistant football coach at Bluffton. Stokes was recognized for his commitment to Bluffton and the philosophy of a Division III student-athlete. He monitors his student-athletes' class attendance and coursework to ensure their success both on and off the field.
-BEAVERS-
Kristie Corney, public relations office, 4/15/09