The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) will present the second annual Buffys Award Ceremony on April 19, 2023. The event will be held at 7 p.m in Seeger Chapel. The purpose of the Buffys is to highlight some of the major athletic accomplishments, individuals, and coaches from Milligan’s athletic department. This is a formal attire event. Students are encouraged to wear their best dresses and tuxes to commemorate and celebrate the athletic season.
Milligan’s Athletic Director Christian Pope and his wife Boniate came up with the idea during their first semester at Milligan in 2021. They initiated the creation of the SAAC and collaborated with Milligan’s coaching staff to come up with the ceremony. The emcee of the ceremony will be Andy Stanko, Milligan’s sports information director. He was pleased with how last year’s event went and is looking forward to it this year.
“Our student-athletes just got it—they bought in, showed up, dressed up, and came ready to be loud and cheer on their teammates and fellow student-athletes. It turned out to be a special night and something to look forward to every year,” said Stanko.
Stanko also explained what he personally thought was the importance of the awards ceremony.
“Very rarely are all of our student-athletes able to gather in one place because usually, they’re in-season, preparing for the season or looking to get better in the off-season,” Stanko said. “To be recognized in front of their peers in the style that we do, I think it’s a very special experience for our student-athletes.”
The athletes are looking forward to the event as well. Keith Fletcher is a finalist for the “Breakout Athlete of the Year” award with his performances during the indoor and outdoor track seasons. He was the AAC indoor champion in the 60m hurdles and also an NAIA nationals qualifier in the 60m hurdles indoor and the 110m hurdles outdoor.
“It’s a blessing to get nominated for the award, and I’m looking forward to seeing what everyone is going to wear,” Fletcher said.
Dylan Bartley is on the men’s basketball team and is a finalist for the “Male Rookie of the Year” award after his freshman campaign. Bartley led the Buffs in scoring for the season while achieving AAC All-Freshman and All-AAC Second Team Honors. He is optimistic about his chances for the award and is ready to just experience the night itself.
“Of course, I want to win, but just to be around all my fellow teammates and student-athletes will be a great experience within itself,” Bartley said.
There will be a dessert reception and a dance after the proceedings of the ceremony.
If you want to learn more about Milligan athletics visit milliganbuffs.com.
Headline photo from Milligan Athletics