Football
Award
Winner
Rookie Award
Kyrell Williamson
Defensive Coach’s Award
Michael Douglas
Offensive Coach’s Award
Rod Tinsley
MVP: Defense
Dwaine Alexander Jackson Defensive Lineman Award
Kailan Chavis
Michael Bloomfield
Superlatives Kyrell is a freshman from Kannapolis, NC and plays Inside Linebacker. As a freshman he made the CIAA Defensive All-Rookie Team. He was 4th on the team in tackles and has emerged as one of the leaders on the CIAA championship Rams football team. He was very instrumental in helping the rams win the 5th consecutive Divisional title with the clutch interception to end the game. Michael Douglas is from Jersey City, NJ and played Defensive Line for the Rams. This senior started for the past two seasons at WSSU and was a big part of the Rams success. Better known as Big Mike, he was 5th on the team in tackles. Ranking top 5 on the team in tackles is no easy task from a defensive line position but Big Mike made it look easy. Rod Tinsley is from Charlotte, NC and was the primary starter for the CIAA championship Rams. As a freshman playing Quarterback for the WSSU was no easy task but Rod was able to grasp a new system and lead his team in passing. He finished the season completing over 50% of his passing attempts, with nearly 1400 passing yards, 10 passing Touchdowns within his 9 starts. He finished the season with the MVP award for the CIAA champs WSSU. He was also a member of the CIAA Offensive All-Rookie Team. Kailan Chavis is a very talented athlete that from Charlotte, NC. He was 6th on the team in tackles. Kailan’s talents permitted him to be a valuable part of the Ram Football Family as he played 5 different positions for the Rams 2015 CIAA Champions. He also made 2nd team AllCIAA Defensive Back. Michael Bloomfield is from Jacksonville, NC and attended White Oak High School. He played Defensive End for the Rams and has made a contribution for 4 years and a part of 3 CIAA Championships. He lead the team in tackles as a defensive lineman. He is one of the hardest workers in the football program and has put up
impressive numbers in the weight room. Bloomfield not only led the team in tackles but in sacks as well with 8.5 on the season. He had 16 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. He was name 1st Team All-CIAA Defensive Lineman. He was very instrumental in helping the Rams win the 2015 CIAA Championship game, shutting out Bowie State’s high powered offense that was held scoreless in the second half. He was able to Sack their Quarterback 4 times with 5 tackles for loss and one forced fumble.
MVP: Offense Tyree Massey
MVP: Team
Michael Bloomfield
Tyree Massey is from Bunnlevel, NC and was the Starting Running Back for the Rams. He is a power back that ran through the opposition. He finished tops on the season for the Rams with 915 all-purpose yards and was the second leading scorer responsible for 50 points. He was Honorable Mention All-CIAA as a Runningback. Michael Bloomfield is from Jacksonville, NC and attended White Oak High School. He played Defensive End for the Rams and has made a contribution for 4 years and a part of 3 CIAA Championships. He lead the team in tackles as a defensive lineman. He is one of the hardest workers in the football program and has put up impressive numbers in the weight room. Bloomfield not only led the team in tackles but in sacks as well with 8.5 on the season. He had 16 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. He was name 1st Team All-CIAA Defensive Lineman. He was very instrumental in helping the Rams win the 2015 CIAA Championship game, shutting out Bowie State’s high powered offense that was held scoreless in the second half. He was able to Sack their Quarterback 4 times with 5 tackles for loss and one forced fumble.
Volleyball
Award
Winner
Superlatives
MVP
Olivia Owens
Olivia, is a dominate player. She led us offensively with her high hitting and defensively
with her huge blocking at the net . She was a game changer for us this season!
Coach’s Award
Jasmine Smith
Jasmine, does a lot of different things for us. She is a versatile player being able to Set or hit at any time. No matter the job she was always willing to do what was best for the team.
MVP: Offense
Jocelyn Mills
Jocelyn is a Middle Blocker that’s fast off the ground. She is a big hitter and led our team in Hitting percentage. She is unstoppable at the net.
MVP: Defense
Michelle Murray-Garcia
Michelle is our best defensive player. She lead us in digs this past season. She does a lot of the diving dirty work that don’t always get the recognition it should.
Women’s Basketball
Award
Winner
Superlatives
Most Improved
Briana Arnold
She is a player who has always had great potential. She improved a tremendous amount on the defensive end as the season went along.
Ram Award
Taelor Mandeville
She is the heart of the team. Even though she is a great defender, her value goes way beyond what can be found on a stat sheet.
Best Defensive Award
ShaQuira Palmer
She is an extremely athletic player. She can defend any position on the court, from the quickest point guard to the biggest post player.
Best Offensive Award
Jatzmin Johnson
She was the most efficient offensive player on the team. In the post, she was force to be reckoned with.
MVP
Awa Kalmstrom
Has a high aptitude for the game of basketball. Has tremendous skill on the offensive and defensive end of the court.
Men’s Basketball
Award
Winner
Ram Award
Jamel McAllister
MVP: Defense
Rayvon Harris
Most Improved Player
William Crandell
MVP: Offense
Terrell Leach
MVP
Keith Armstrong
Superlatives Jamel is off to a good start at WSSU. He contributed on the court as a freshman, has one of the top GPA’s in the program and overall has demonstrated an ability to be a role model on campus. A lot of what Rayvon Harris did for the team doesn’t show up on the stat sheet. Often he would have the assignment of guarding the opponent’s leading scorer. With 7 ppg and 3 rebounds Willie Crandell is the most improved player on this year’s team. Willie grew into becoming a key player down the stretch. His most productive game came in the 2nd to last regular season game vs. Johnson C. Smith. He tallied 18 points and 9 rebounds. The future is bright for this freshman. The leading scorer for the men’s team this year with 14 points per game was Terrell Leach. With deep range and an ability to explode to the basket Terrell became one of the top scorers in the CIAA. With 7.5 rebounds a game Keith led the team in rebounding and was also 3rd on the team in scoring with 9 points per game. Keith, otherwise known as Boog, would take charges, was very vocal on both ends of the floor and displayed solid team leadership.
Cheerleaders
Award
Most Improved (White)
Rookie Award (White)
Winner/Superlatives Alexandria Davis **Alex has blossomed into a star. She has improved beyond her comfort zone because she is coachable, teachable, and driven. She is an incredible athlete. Tavonte Gray **Tavonte is an amazing faithful and loyal athlete who comfortably held down the fort as the only male cheerleader to successfully complete the season on white team and that is because of his strength and
posture of gratitude. Ashley Williams Hustle Award (White)
Spirit Award (White)
Most Outstanding Cheerleader (White)
Most Improved (Red)
Rookie Award (Red)
Hustle Award (Red)
**Ashley is a true hustler. Always striving to be better perform harder and do better than the last time. She is incredible and possess great drive. Shamerah Figgs **Shammera has an electric smile that lights up the room and a cheerful character that adds so much life and energy to the team. She is a jewel to watch as she shows her spirit. Leilani Scion **The humility of Leilani is what makes her such an asset to the program and team. She has garnered much confidence and has evolved to be so outstanding on a daily basis. Passion Firms **Passion has grown so much this season internally that reflected externally. She pushed herself through all obstacles to be victorious and now an even more immaculate cheerleader than before. Alisa MotfittHerring **Alisa was the freshman baby added in the middle of the season to RED team but owned her position through her passion and ability to apply leadership direction to her life. She is a tremendous cheerleader with so much potential to continue to have the wow effect that she has been gifted with. Melvin Sutton ** Melvin Sutton is a dedicated perfectionist who always gives his absolute best in practice and through performance. He never slacks from the least to greatest performances. ** Niyah Sansbury
Spirit Award (Red) **No matter what you can count on Niyah to give you a show full of energy excitement and pure good ole Ram Spirit. She is the spirit of the team because of her dynamic spirit.
Most Outstanding Cheerleader (Red)
Keshia Williams **Keshia has such an outstanding image and performance that makes her simply magnetic. She pushes through her personal uncertainties just to prove how certain she is that this was what she was born to do. Tennis
Award
Winner
Most Improved
Miranda Legg
Superlatives Miranda has only been playing tennis 4 years and is making her mark here on this team as a freshman. She comes to practice early, works hard and truly wants to improve her game even
more. She had a 4.0 in the fall so she strives at being a great student athlete.
Ram Award
Devan Corpening
Most Valuable Player
Alexus Morgan
Devan has been on the tennis team for 5 years. She is an awesome student athlete who brings a light to the team that no one has. Her energy is unique and I will definitely miss her gestures of making the team come together. She has the second best singles record on the team and so that consistency will be missed. So one last RARR for my senior Devan. Alexus is a transfer from NC A&T but she is truly becoming a RAM. Playing at number 2 she has received a lot of recognition from other CIAA coaches on her game as well as having the best singles record on the team for the season. She is definitely representing well.
Softball
Award
Winner
Superlatives
Most Improved
Chyna Riley
This individual has the ability to win in many situations whether it be on or off the field. Her desire to succeed surpasses any challenge she may face.
Most Outstanding Outfielder
Idaysha Quinones
Since joining the program, this young lady has been a standout in her defensive position. She has proven that her speed and arm is a force to be reckoned with.
Rookie Award
Jasmine Holloman
As a freshman student-athlete, she has stepped up and embraced competing in multiple positions while maintaining a high standard of academic and athletic excellence.
Most Outstanding Infielder
Rebecca Demko
After joining the program, this individual immediately became an impact player. And, throughout the season she has proven that her drive and skills can assist the team with getting the job done.
Ram Award
Tiarra Delaney
Coming into the program, she immediately embraced the role of a WSSU student-athlete and the philosophy of the Ram Softball Program.
She identified personal time to develop her skill set; she engaged the community, excelled in the classroom and became stronger as a ball player.
Men’s and Women’s Cross Country
Award
Winner
Superlatives
Brave Heart (W)
Tametris Morrison
Tametris earned All CIAA honors for the second year in a row.
Iron Woman
Danisha Wiggins
MPV (W)
Domtila Kiplagat
Brave Heart (M)
Julian Massey
Iron Man
Benjamin Lewis
MVP (M)
Harold Blakely
Danisha is the first and only female runner in WSSU history to make three consecutive All CIAA teams in the sport of cross country.
Domtila is the CIAA champion and runner of the year. She also earned positions on the All CIAA and All Atlantic Region Teams. Julian consistently worked hard throughout the season and dropped his times.
Lewis is a four-year runner and dedicated to the success of the program. Harold was the top runner and first finisher for WSSU at the CIAA championship meet.
Women’s Track and Field
Award
Winner
Superlatives
Sportsmanship
Taska Johnson
Taska earned All CIAA honors in the 800, mile and on the and Distance medley relays. She also earned NCAA ALL- Region in the 2016 indoors 800m
Iron Woman
Rachel Bonham
Rachel, another walk-on, was the most outstanding field event athlete at the CIAA indoor Championships, winning the high jump, placing second in the pentathlon and placing in the 60 hurdles.
Most Valuable Runner
Domtila Kiplagat
Domtila was the most outstanding runner in the CIAA for cross country and indoor track, winning titles in cross country, the mile and 3,000 (while breaking the conference record) and on the record setting Distance Medley Relay.
Braveheart
Fawzia Kheir
Fawzia, a walk-on, earned All CIAA honors in the 800, mile and 3,000. She also broke the conference record in the 3,000 and ran the fastest times during the outdoor season in the 400, 800 and mile. She also ran on the All conference mile relay team.
Courageous
Ty-Leah Hampton
Ty-Leah was the most dominant sprinter for WSSU for both the indoor and outdoor seasons. She recorded the fastest times in the 100, 200 (indoors and outdoors) and 400m (indoors). Hampton also met NCAA outdoor championship qualifying standards in the 100 and 200.
Baseball
Award
Winner
Superlatives
Rookie Award
Randy Norris
Randy Norris has had an exception rookie season for the Rams baseball team this year as he is hitting over .300 and has started in all but 4 games for the Rams. He is hitting over .300 on
the season and is on his way to having a stellar rookie season performance. Jason Baytop has played almost every game for the Rams at centerfield this season and has only made one error in 47 total chances. Besides being the defensive gold glove award winner this year, he is also the Rams leadoff hitter and has over a .300 average on the season while leading the team in stolen bases.
Golden Glove
Jason Baytop
Coach’s Award
Gabriel Delgado
In previous seasons, the coaches’ award has gone to those individuals that go above and beyond expectations to make the team successful. Most years, this has been a team captain or MVP. However, you don’t have to be a team captain or an MVP to be a valuable asset to the team. Although Gabriel Delgado didn’t play this season for the Rams baseball team, it didn’t mean he wasn’t instrumental to the team’s success. Gabriel served as the team’s bullpen catcher the entire season, catching thousands of bullpens for the pitching staff and doing an excellent job. He was always ready to help the team and the coaching staff in any way possible and never once asked about playing time. He is a true example of hard work and commitment to TEAM EFFORT.
Most Outstanding Pitcher
Jordan Cummings
Jordan currently leads the pitching staff with a 1.32 ERA. He has led the team in appearances out of the bullpen the last two seasons and has pitched in several tight situations for the Rams. He averages over a strikeout an inning and has held opponents to less than 10 runs all season.
Most Outstanding Hitter
Nate Steger
He is currently the frontrunner for the CIAA player of the year because he leads in several offensive and pitching categories. This season is leading the Rams baseball team in batting average (.378), hits (45) doubles (11) and homeruns (5). He is also one of the top pitchers on the team. He has a 2.96 ERA in 45.2 innings pitched and has only given up 15 earned runs all season. In 2016, he has the best ERA in the CIAA and is tied for 2nd for the most wins in the conference. He is also leading the conference in home runs and is second overall in the conference in batting average and 4th in RBIs.
Athletic Training
Award
Winner
Outstanding Student Athletic Trainer of the Year
Justin Jordan
Superlatives Justin has become a vital part of our sports medicine team. From shy underclassman to confident, vocal leader, Justin was the lead student athletic trainer and was outstanding this year! We will miss Justin greatly, and wish him continued success in grad school and his future career. We know that he will represent his school well!
Student Athletic Training – Rookie of the Year
Ginny Romero
It was amazing to watch Ginny develop throughout her first year in the program. Her enthusiasm, work ethic and thirst for knowledge made an impact on those she served this year. Ginny developed a love for working with baseball players and is currently perusing a summer internship with the Winston-Salem Dash Minor league baseball team. We look forward to having Ginny back next year and are expecting great things from her future in Athletic Training.
Chancellor’s Cup
Winner
Superlatives
Hayden O’Neal
Student-athlete with highest GPA (3.875)
Baseball
Athletic Director’s Cup
Winner
Superlatives
Volleyball
Team with the overall highest GPA (3.27)
Mary Garber Female Student-Athlete of the Year
Winner
Superlatives
Domtalia Kiplagat Domtila was the most outstanding runner in the CIAA for cross country and indoor track, winning titles in cross country, the mile and 3,000 (while breaking the conference record) and on the record setting Distance Medley Relay.
Mary Garber Male Student-Athlete of the Year
Winner
Superlatives
Michael Bloomfield Michael Bloomfield is from Jacksonville, NC and attended White Oak High School. He played Defensive End for the Rams and has made a contribution for 4 years and a part of 3 CIAA Championships. He lead the team in tackles as a defensive lineman. He is one of the hardest workers in the football program and has put up impressive numbers in the weight room. Bloomfield not only led the team in tackles but in sacks as well with 8.5 on the season. He had 16 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. He was name 1st Team All-CIAA Defensive Lineman. He was very instrumental in helping the Rams win the 2015 CIAA Championship game, shutting out Bowie State’s high powered offense that was held scoreless in the second half. He was able to Sack their Quarterback 4 times with 5 tackles for loss and one forced fumble.
Team Community Service Award
Winner
Superlatives
Football
1004/ 3608 Athletics Department
Weston Spirit Award
Winner
Superlatives
Marc Heinecke
Top supportive staff member
C.E. Gaines Coach of the Year
Winner
Superlatives
Andi Henderson
Coach Henderson led the women’s volleyball program to its most success season in school’s history. Capturing the program’s first CIAA Championship Title and an outstanding overall record of 22-8 and 15-1 in conference play. Henderson also boasts four (4) All-CIAA Team members, including first-team standouts Olivia Owens and Jocelyn Mills, along with Owens being named CIAA Tournament MVP.
Ram Award
Winner
Superlatives
Mr. Harden “Butch” Wheeler
Most Supportive Alum
Mrs. Janet Wheeler
Student Worker of Year
Winner
Superlatives
Lamar Smith
Dedicated student worker to the football program.
