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The 2005 Y Awards will be broadcast on BYU-TV on the following dates and times...
May 3 at 9 p.m.
May 7 at 1 a.m.
May 11 at 9 a.m.
May 14 at 10 p.m.
May 20 at 3 p.m.
May 23 at 3 a.m.
May 29 at 12 a.m.
PROVO, Utah -- Hundreds of Cougar athletes and fans gathered for the annual Cougar Club Y Awards Banquet on Tuesday evening April 12, 2005, paying tribute to the top student-athletes, coaches, volunteers and plays of 2004-05.
"This is a proud moment for BYU," said President Cecil O. Samuelson. "It is my great honor to express appreciation to a very fine group of student-athletes who have paid a heavy price in the pursuit of greatness. BYU is very proud of you."
In addition to the comedic relief of John Moyer, writer of the hit movie "Singles Ward," several individuals and teams were singled out for their contributions to the BYU athletics program over the past year.
The 2004 NCAA Champion men's volleyball team was named the Men's Team of the Year after winning their third title in six years. The squad compiled a BYU-record 21-match winning streak behind the efforts of four All-Americans and the national Player of the Year, Carlos Moreno, on its way to defeating Long Beach State in a thrilling five-game match to win the national title.
"It was a wonderful year for men's volleyball and the great tradition we have here at BYU," said 2004 team captain Jon Alleman. "We just want to thank all the fans who came out to support us. There's not a better place to play in the world."
Women's track and field won the Women's Team of the Year award after claiming their 21st Mountain West Conference indoor championship in 22 years on their way to fourth-place regional finish and a 15th-place national finish. During the outdoor season, the team placed sixth nationally. A total of nine All-Americans ran for BYU in 2004.
"I'm very lucky to get to work with this team and these coaches," said head coach Craig Poole. "There's a synergy on this team that seems to pull everything together. These girls really buy into the philosophy and approach that we take to the sport of track and field."
Play of the Year honors went to Matt Payne for his two bone-crunching hits on Boise State punt returner Chris Carr, which sparked the Cougars and garnered national attention. Payne went on to be a finalist for the Lou Groza and Ray Guy awards and was named First Team All-America.
"I don't think I'll ever get tired of watching those two plays," said Payne. "Everyone loves them except my wife. She says I shouldn't go out and hit people, but I'll show it to my son when he's older. He'll appreciate it."
Track and field star Nathan Robison was named the Male Athlete of the Year after placing second in the 1,500-meter race at the NCAA National Championships. Robison also competed in the 1,500-meter final at the U.S. Track and Field Trials, finishing sixth.
"I'm grateful for the opportunity I've had to represent BYU for the last four years," said Robison. "I especially want to thank my teammates who inspire me and make me laugh at practice."
Another track and field standout, Lindsey Metcalf, garnered Female Athlete of the Year accolades. Metcalf, who is also a volleyball star, was named All-MWC after ranking ninth in the league in digs per game and was selected to the CoSIDA District VIII Academic All-District Second Team. She also finished fifth and eighth at the NCAA Indoor and Outdoor Championships, respectively, to earn All-American status.
"I really need to thank my husband," said Metcalf. "He's the reason the house is always clean when I come home from road trips. My coaches have also been a great role model to me. It's just been an honor to participate."
Men's cross country coach Ed Eyestone was named the Coach of the Year after coaching his team to its third MWC Championship in the last four years and a fifth-place NCAA finish.
Other big winners included runner Amy Menlove, Female Rookie of the Year; football player Austin Collie, Male Rookie of the Year; assistant women's swimming coach Shari Skabelund, Assistant Coach of the Year; football player Spencer White, Walk-On of the Year; volleyball player Erica Lott, Female Crowd Pleaser; and volleyball player Victor Batista, Male Crowd Pleaser.
Second baseman Wade Vest was named the Ed Stein Outstanding Senior Male Athlete, joining gymnast Jaime Mabray, the Lu Wallace Outstanding Senior Female Athlete award winner.
The Cougar Club Memorial Award, given to an outstanding junior male or female athlete with high scholarly achievement, went to baseball player Kory Knell, who was named Academic All-MWC in 2004 and is an NCAA Post-Graduate Scholarship nominee. Volleyball star Fernando Pessoa was also honored for his contributions off the court as the recipient of the Floyd Johnson Service Award, given to an athlete who makes a positive impact in the community and among their teammates.
"I decided this year that I wanted to make up for all the service I didn't do in the last four years," said Pessoa. "But I realized that was impossible. It would take several lifetimes to make up for all the blessings I have received here."
2004 MWC Cross Country Athlete of the Year Laura Turner, who became only the second cross country runner in BYU history to earn four All-American citations with a fourth-place finish at the NCAA Cross Country Championships, received the Leona Holbrook Spirit of Sport award. The award is given to the female athlete whose participation best exemplifies the true spirit of sport in athletics and in life.
Football Team Captain Brandon Heaney took home the Dale McCann Spirit of Sport award.
The Kimball Memorial Award, given to the athlete with the highest scholarly achievement among those with at least two athletic letters, went to swimmer Ryan Mullen. Mullen has earned a 4.0 grade-point average in chemical engineering and plans to pursue a Ph.D. in chemical engineering or attend law school after graduation.
Bob and Cindy Wakefield were named the Volunteers of the Year for their tireless efforts as service representatives in the BYU Student Athlete Academic Center. The Wakefields have organized more than 200 service projects, including BYU's premier service project, the "Buff Don't Puff Program". The program teaches grade school students not to smoke and involved over 5,000 fourth graders in 2004.
Wrestler Cael Sanderson received the Dale Rex Memorial award, given to the athlete thought by the Cougar Club to have contributed most to amateur athletics in the state of Utah. The Heber City native compiled a 159-0 record at Iowa State, winning four straight NCAA Championships. Sanderson also received an ESPY award as the best male college athlete and won a gold medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics.