Athletic Department Recognizes Senior Student-Athletes

FAYETTEVILLE – The University of Arkansas athletic department honored its senior student-athletes Friday with an awards banquet in the Raymond Miller Hall of Champions. Student-athletes received senior rings while graduating student-athletes from the December, May and summer semesters received diploma plaques from Jeff Long, vice chancellor and director of athletics.

"Today's luncheon is an opportunity for us to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of our senior student-athletes," Long said. "During their time at the University of Arkansas, they have committed themselves to succeeding in the classroom, on the fields of competition and in our community. As these young men and women earn their diplomas and complete their collegiate athletic careers, we want to thank them for their hard work and dedication in representing the Razorback program, the university and our state."

The Brandon Burlsworth Scholar-Athlete Award is named for former Razorback football player Brandon Burlsworth, whose life was cut short by a tragic accident after he graduated. The award is presented to senior student-athletes who exemplify Burlsworth's ideals including good moral character and who have demonstrated a desire to excel in the classroom and who have a commitment to the improvement of the University of Arkansas and its surrounding communities. This year's winners are Luke Laird from the men's track and field team and women's golfer Kelli Shean. The event concluded with a senior highlight video and closing remarks. The awards banquet is an annual event for Razorback senior student-athletes.

2011 Senior Awards Banquet Honorees

Brandon Burlsworth Scholar-Athletes

• Luke Laird, Men's Track and Field
• Kelli Shean, Women's Golf

Graduation Plaques

• Women's Basketball: Caroline Powell, Ashlea Williams
• Men's Basketball: Delvon Johnson
• Football: Clay Bemberg, Dustin Cain, Ray Dominguez, DeMarcus Love, Ryan Powers, Van Stumon, Crosby Tuck, D.J. Williams
• Women's Golf: Corinna Rees, Kelli Shean
• Men's Golf: Jamie Marshall
• Gymnastics: Michelle Stout
• Soccer: Kelsey Allison, Sam Bolton, Camille Flores, Beth McVean, Kelly O'Connor, Britni Williams
• Softball: Becca Carden
• Swimming and Diving: Ashley Largo, Erin Neumann
• Women's Track and Field: Megan Jackson, Miranda Walker
• Volleyball: Phoebe Bautista, Mackenzie Rhea

Senior Rings

• Baseball: Kyle Robinson
• Women's Basketball: Caroline Powell, Skye Rees, Brittney Richardson, Ashlea Williams
• Men's Basketball: Marcus Britt, Jemal Farmer, Delvon Johnson
• Football: Damario Ambrose, Clay Bemberg, Ramon Broadway, Freddy Burton, Dustin Cain, Ben Cleveland, Rudell Crim, Wade Grayson, Patrick Jones, Anthony Leon, DeMarcus Love, Jermaine Love, Rhett Richardson, Andru Stewart, Van Stumon, Alex Tejada, Zhamal Thomas, Austin Tucker, D.J. Williams
• Women's Golf: Corinna Rees, Kelli Shean
• Men's Golf: Jamie Marshall
• Gymnastics: Stacy Bartlett, Michelle Stout
• Soccer: Kelsey Allison, Ally Atkins, Sam Bolton, Rachel Carlson, Camille Flores, Lauren Hallauer, Beth McVean, Kelly O'Connor, Laurel Pastor, Britni Williams
• Softball: Becca Carden, Amanda Caldwell, Leslie Dixon, Kim Jones, Layne McGuirt, Lindsey Wells
• Swimming and Diving: Gina Bargiachi, Kristen Keith, Ashley Largo, Jamie Marks, Erin Neumann, Erica Totten
• Women's Tennis: Anouk Tigu
• Men's Tennis: Matt Hogan, Chris Nott, Nick Spinazze
• Women's Track and Field: Megan Jackson, Shantel Thompson, Miranda Walker, Shelise Williams
• Men's Track and Field: Chris Bilbrew, Lashawn Butler, Patrick Russell, Dorian Ulrey
• Volleyball: Phoebe Bautista, Mackenzie Rhea