KYLE SCHECK
PHOTOGRAPHER
JON BEERBOWER
STAFF WRITER
4/10/2023
As the academic year wraps up and spring sports seasons are in full swing, it can only mean one thing: The Scotty Awards are once again making their way back to campus.
For those who may not know, Scotty’s is a yearly formal awards ceremony put on by the Alma College Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) that celebrates all the amazing individual and team athletic performances from the previous spring season and the current fall and winter sports seasons.
Categories for awards can be anything from male and female athlete of the year to celebrating the top male and female performers in athletic excellence. Also, awards such as king and queen of the weight room are given by the Director of Sports Performance, Fletcher Roberts. These awards are given to the athletes that dedicate themselves not only to competition but also to their focus on bettering themselves in the weight room.
Scotty’s is not only about those making an impact on the field because it also highlights what is done behind the scenes in the athletic department with different awards.
“It’s really fun to go support my friends who are athletes and to celebrate the athletic department’s success. It’s also fun to know that even though I’m not an athlete, I still am up to win an award,” said Payton Miler (’23), Alma College Sports Information Student Supervisor and Broadcasting Coordinator.
The award for sports information worker of the year goes beyond just Alma College as the winner moves into a vote for the Tom Renner Associate Sports Information Director (SID) Award. This is awarded to the top SID student worker in the MIAA. An Alma College student has won the award 7 of the last 8 years, with Hannah Evans winning last year’s Tom Renner Award.
This year’s Scotty’s will be hosted by women’s basketball assistant coach, Antonio Capaldi, and Scots football defensive line coach, Cooper O’Gara. It will take place on Apr. 13 at 7 p.m. in the Art Smith Arena following a dessert reception in the Hogan lobby at 6 p.m.
Last year marked the return of Scotty’s to the Art Smith arena after COVID-19 forced the 2020 edition to be virtual and the 2021 Scotty’s to be outside on Balhke Field on a chilly April night.
“2021 was a different atmosphere for sure. The weather didn’t cooperate the best but baring through the cold… created a good time and an enjoyable way to honor those who excelled in athletics during a time when teams’ and athletes’ seasons were in limbo,” said Eli Pinter, Alma College Sports Information Assistant.
This year is sizing up to be one of the best Scotty’s yet. SAAC President and Women’s Swim and Dive Team Captain, Raegan Stambaugh (‘23), is sure of it.
“This year’s Scotty’s awards ceremony is going to be the best because we have had an amazing year for Scots athletics and countless Alma wins. We have a lot to celebrate this year, and we are so excited to recognize our student-athletes,” said Stambaugh.
Scotty’s truly has something that will bring student-athletes through the door. Whether it is seeing themselves or their teammates win awards or the mock awards that are voted on by those in attendance– such as best dressed or best hair– athletes all over Alma’s campus are excited.
“My favorite part of Scotty’s is getting to dress up and try to win the best dressed award. Last year, my velvet suit didn’t win, but between best hair and best dressed, I’ve got to have one of them in the bag this year,” said Andrew Ludden (‘24).
For more information on this year’s Scotty’s awards talk to your team’s SAAC representatives and don’t forget to dress to impress on Apr. 13 at 7 p.m. in the Art Smith Arena.
