USA South Commissioner Hits the Road to Present Awards
(FAYETTEVILLE, NC) - The duties of a NCAA Division III Athletic Conference Commissioner stretch far and wide. That is exactly where USA South Athletic Commissioner Rita Wiggs went to honor Conference institutions and student-athletes the past few weeks.
The USA South annually presents awards to its membership for athletic achievement, positive sportsmanship, community service involvement and academic success. In a span of six days over the past three weeks, Commissioner Wiggs logged 23 hours of driving time and 1,200 miles on the roads of North Carolina and Virginia to present the Conference's most prestigious awards.
The award tour began on the afternoon of Saturday, October 6 as Commissioner Wiggs presented the USA South Woman of the Year award to N.C. Wesleyan College's Mackenzie Tingle in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. Commissioner Wiggs then headed north later that evening to award Christopher Newport University its three President's Cups. After a short stay back at the USA South headquarters in Fayetteville, North Carolina, it was back on the road to present Meredith College the USA South Pennies for a Purpose plaque in Raleigh, North Carolina. The following day, it was time for a drive to Staunton, Virginia, home of Mary Baldwin College to honor the newest owners of the USA South Sportsmanship Trophy. A day of travel to Ferrum College in Ferrum, Virginia followed as Commissioner Wiggs presented former Panther Paul Jaglowski with the Male Don Scalf Award. Finally, after a few days back home, it was a drive north to Danville, Virginia where Commissioner Wiggs completed her presentations by honoring Averett University's Paige Aaron with the Female Don Scalf Award.
"It is always an honor and privilege to present these awards to our member institutions and student-athletes," shared Commissioner Wiggs. "I am able to not only spend quality time with the illustrious award winners but also meet their families and share in their admiration for their son or daughter. These trips also give me a chance to visit our institutions, speak to our coaches and spend time with administrators and Presidents. Presenting these awards is something I look forward to each and every year."
Commissioner Wiggs will head back on the road during the coming weeks as the USA South conducts its championships in the sports of cross country, soccer and volleyball.
Click the captions below each photo to read more about the awards.
