Red Wolves - IU East

An "amazing" year in Indiana University East athletics officially concluded May 7.

Red Wolves athletes, coaches and supporters capped off IU East's 2009-10 year in athletics with the Athletics Awards ceremony in the Whitewater Hall lobby.

Click here to view a photo gallery from the ceremony.

Attendees celebrated a year that saw the IU East athletic department continue its remarkable growth, including the school's first NAIA All-Americans and first appearances in NAIA national championships.

IU East Vice Chancellor Dan Dooley opened the ceremony with a recap of the Red Wolves' accomplishments.

Master of Ceremonies Dennis Hicks, the "Voice of the Red Wolves," introduced athletes from IU East's cheerleading squad, dance team, developmental basketball program, and seven varsity teams.

Coaches presented awards to all athletes.

Handsome trophies with wolf likenesses went to the winners of IU East's annual awards.

The Rufus Award went to Dr. Gregory Woods and the team at Reid Sports Medicine.

The "Rufus Award," named after the IU East mascot, is presented to individual or business who selflessly advances the Red Wolves athletic program.

You name it and the team of Dr. Woods and Reid Sports Medicine did for the IU East athletics program.

Dr. Woods and Reid conducted performance training with IU East's athletes last summer.

Dr. Woods and Reid made sure trainers were available on site for Red Wolves home volleyball and basketball games.

Their contributions will help make the IU East cross country course one of the finest in the state.

Senior golfer Mark Bevins (Hollansburg, Ohio/Tri-Village High School) repeated as Academic Athlete of the Year.

The honor goes to the student-athlete with the highest grade point average.

Athletes must be at least a junior athletically and must be enrolled at IU East for at least three semesters.

The Champions of Character Award went to junior basketball player Tyler Rigby (Bryant, Ind./Jay County High School).

The student-athlete who best exemplified the NAIA's five core character values receives the "IU East Champions of Character Award."

Rigby took the leading in organizing IU East basketball players' weekly visits to the "LIFT" class at Highland Heights Elementary.

The players helped students with their homework and often played basketball or other games with the youngsters.

Rigby also had the idea for a food and clothing drive to benefit local youngsters during the holiday season.

The IU East community donated enough food and clothing to fill several large boxes, which were donated to youngsters in the area.

Rigby also repeated as Male Athlete of the Year.

Rigby finished his junior year as IU East's NAIA career leader in games started, points, field goals and 3-point field goals.

Rigby also became the first IU East player to score more than 1,000 points in NAIA competition.

Rigby appeared on the NAIA All-American and All-KIAC teams.

The Female Athlete of the Year award went to freshman volleyball player Breezy Strete (Troy, Ohio/Troy High School).

Strete was KIAC Player of the Year and was IU East's first NAIA volleyball All-American.

Strete set IU East records for kills in a match and kills in a season.

Seniors Bevins, Noah Douglas (Indianapolis, Ind./St. Joseph's College), Jacobe Edmondson (Indianapolis, Ind./Ancilla College) and Bijon Jones (Jackson, Tenn./Southeast Missouri State University) shared some of their favorite memories from their Red Wolves careers.

Bevins played on the golf team for three NAIA seasons and was KIAC medalist in 2008. He is a Daktronics NAIA Scholar-Athlete and will take part in commencement ceremonies May 14.

"Thanks for all the school did," Bevins said. "I enjoyed playing here."

Douglas set IU East's NAIA basketball single-season and career record for double-doubles during one year with the Red Wolves. He also will walk in commencement ceremonies May 14.

"I would like to thank Coach (Mark) Hester for taking a chance on me," Douglas said. "I think it turned out all right. I enjoyed my stay and everyone I got a chance to meet."

Edmondson is IU East's reigning Homecoming king and will graduate as one of the Red Wolves' career leaders in blocked shots. He played two seasons at IU East.

"It was a great two years," he said. "It was a great opportunity to come here and I want to thank everybody."

Jones ranked among the nation's leaders in 3-point field goal percentage for most of his senior season on the IU East basketball team.

"I really enjoyed meeting a lot of great people," he said. "Thank you for making me a better teammate and a better person."

IU East athletic director Mark Hester had the last words.

"The awards and accomplishments just this year are amazing, and it's all because of the athletes and coaches in this room," he said.

"We look forward to even better things in 2010-11, and we thank you for your support."