May 1, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ----- The UAB athletics department recently honored its senior student-athletes during a banquet at The Wynfrey Hotel. Ten student-athletes picked up post-eligibility scholarship and academic awards at the banquet, including men's tennis player Sebastian Falk and women's soccer player Laura Skridulis who were named the recipients of the UAB Male and Female Senior Academic Awards.

Among the scholarship winners were women's golfer Janey Deimling who was tabbed for the Lillyan Fahy Scholarship, named in honor of Miss Fahy who was instrumental in the establishment of UAB School of Business in the 1970s. Football player Jhun Cook of Birmingham was named the recipient of the George "Snoozy" Jones Scholarship while men's basketball player Derrick Broom received the Jerry & Barbara Hallerman Memorial Scholarship awarded to a deserving Blazer basketball player each year.

The Wayne "Smitty" Smith Memorial Scholarship, created in memory of the former video coordinator for UAB football, went to football player Blake Prime. The Jerry D. Young Memorial Scholarship, established in the memory of Dr. Young who was instrumental in the establishment of the UAB athletic program, was awarded to Megan Kelly, a four-year letterwinner on the synchronized swim team.

The Gene Bartow Scholarship, named for the former Blazer head basketball coach and athletics director, provided women's soccer standout Laura Skridulis with her second prestigious honors of the evening.

Baseball player Lyle Northington received the Harry "The Hat" Walker Memorial Scholarship, created in memory of UAB's first baseball coach. Meanwhile, the Mervyn Goldstein Memorial Scholarship, established by the former director of university relations, Gloria Howton, in memory of her husband, was presented to women's basketball player Laura Waldrop.

The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) Award, presented for the ninth year to a senior student in recognition of his or her dedication, loyalty, persistence and spirit of competition on and off the field, was given to Blazer football defensive tackle Sam Williamson.

The Honorary Letterwinner Award, presented annually by the UAB Athletics Department to an individual who makes s special contribution to the program, was awarded to Lew Menaker.