May 1, 2007

Johnson C. Smith University held its annual Athletics Award Banquet last night in which Desirae Riddick and Ed Wilson were recipients of the coveted Pettis Norman Award. This award is given to the top male and female athlete for the current academic year.

Desirae Riddick, who garnered the top honor, is a senior communication arts major. As the heart and soul of the volleyball team, Riddick was named All-CIAA, All-Tournament, All-Region, and ESPN the Magazine's Academic All-District. She ranked second in the conference in kills (5.23 kpg) and fourth in hitting percentage (.298). Nationally, she was ranked fifth in kills per game. The Misawa, Japan native is slated to graduate this Sunday, May 6, 2007.

Ed Wilson was the male recipient of the Pettis Norman Award. A senior physical education major, Wilson led the conference and all of NCAA Division II in total tackles with 121. He was tied for third in forced fumbles with three and was 27th nationally in that category. He was the team's most valuable player and was the captain of the 2007 squad.

Darren Ramsey (Men's Basketball) and Aisha Lide (Cheerleading) received the Coca-Cola Academic Award given to the seniors with the highest grade point average.

Other most valuable award winners are as follows:

Men's Basketball - Maurice Hooper

Women's Basketball - Rochelle Bodie and Brittany Sumpter

Football - Ed Wilson

Women's Cross Country - Tiana Pope

Bowling - Larissa Broadie

Softball - Venessa Roy

Men's Tennis - Justin Stuckey and Jason Stuckey

Women's Tennis - Jennifer Lee

Men's Outdoor Track - Coleman McNeill

Women's Outdoor Track - Brittni Dash

Cheerleading - Aisha Lide

Men's Golf - Jamal Brown

Women's Golf - Roachelle Rose