The event, held on campus at Hardy Alumni Hall, is something Barton takes pride in. Unlike many schools, Barton is able to recognize all of its athletes at once.

"To our credit, it's nice that we can hold this event and recognize all of the teams in the same event," Barton athletic director Gary Hall said after wrapping up the banquet for the 19th time.

"It's a great tradition that we have here and we did it in under two hours, which is a minor miracle," Hall joked. "It's a great day for us to be Bulldogs and share our recognition in events together."

Most Valuable Players were selected in each sport and other athletes were recognized for various achievements in their respective sports, such as sportsmanship, most improved and defensive excellence.

Junior golfer Jonathan Burke and freshman softball player Jessica McFadden were tabbed the Kiwanis Athletes of the Year.

Burke joined Courtney Faircloth as the only golfers to earn the distinction. McFadden's selection was also special since few players have been chosen in their first year.

"Jessica and Jonathan both had extraordinary years of competition here and they were both excellent choices," praised Hall. "We had others who would have also been excellent choices, but these two represent us very well."

"I was surprised to be honest with you," he said. "Golf isn't one of those sports you think about for this. So I was very, very surprised but also very honored. I thought (men's basketball player) Brian Leggett was going to win it."

McFadden, the team's center fielder, was also taken aback by the news despite posting a .388 average, 59 hits, 38 runs and 36 stolen bases -- all team highs.

"I achieved a lot, but I did not think I was going to get this -- I'm very shocked," she said. "I hope this can show the team next year that we can achieve much more and maybe we'll have more awards.

"I tried to have a good year with my offense and defense and just the simple things, but not to achieve this. It's a huge bonus and I can't wait for next year."

Leggett, a senior, was named team MVP, the top rebounder and the sportsmanship award-winner for the men after averaging 11.6 points and 8.5 rebounds per game.

Sara Fleming, a redshirt junior, was named MVP of the women's team. Fleming started all 27 games and averaged 12.1 points and scored 20-plus points six times.

Allie Wilkerson, the Conference Carolinas Player of the Year, was named MVP of the women's soccer team and Travis Holloman, one of the program's all-time bests, was tabbed baseball MVP.

William Stakes, a freshman from Greenfield, garnered the top honor for men's soccer.

Others honored were recently departed tennis coach Brian Mastin, registrar and interim women's tennis coach Sheila Milne, women's basketball coach Wendee Saintsing (300 wins) and longtime athletic trainer Randy Pridgen.

bhowell@wilsontimes.com | 265-7879

Most Valuable Players

Men's Basketball -- Brian Leggett

Women's Basketball -- Sara Fleming

Baseball -- Travis Holloman

Men's Golf -- Jonathan Burke

Men's Soccer -- William Stakes

Softball -- Jessica McFadden

Women's Soccer -- Allie Wilkerson

Women's Tennis -- Jessica Galasso

Men's Tennis -- Scott Reddick

Volleyball -- Michelle Walker

Women's Cross Country -- Gina Castro