The Arthur Joseph “Pepper” Geddings, Jr. Athletic Leadership Award

This award is in memory of former Wingate baseball player Pepper Geddings. The award stands for everything that is right about college athletics: athletic ability, scholarship, leadership, citizenship, and service. Pepper Geddings was a once-in-a-lifetime student-athlete who made his mark on Wingate University in his short two years. A star baseball player for Hall of Fame coach Ron Christopher, Pepper went on to study at Appalachian State University. He was tragically killed when he was struck by a baseball in a scrimmage game at Wingate.

2008 Winners
Rebekah Moody, swimming
Michael Watson, lacrosse

Mandi Chester  – Chester was named SAC Scholar Athlete for softball. Chester has a 3.64 GPA, majoring in Mathematics and Education. She is a volunteer tutor in her math classes. Chester hit .380 this season for the Bulldogs. She was third in the conference in RBI per game, trailing two of her teammates.

Frank Marino – Team captain for the Bulldogs in 2005, Marino had 25 tackles, two sacks, two tackles for losses in 2005. He is a former Marine who has started for the Bulldogs throughout his career. Marino holds a 3.96 GPA in Finance.