Print
E-mail
Comment
Rate
Bobby Andrews Tournament opens with touching ceremony
By BRIAN HAINES, Sports Writer
Once again, Bobby Andrews poured his heart and soul onto the softball fields at the Susiegrey McConnell Complex, as he awarded scholarships to 13 worthy recipients at the Bobby Andrews Scholarship Tournament opening day ceremonies Friday.
For six years, the Bobby Andrews Scholarship Tournament has handed out scholarships to softball players who are attending college and have exhibited excellence both on the field and off.
This year, the organization awarded scholarship money to 13 women who fit the criteria. Melissa Spain, Jessica Harris, Lauren Moore and Sarah Holt each got full scholarships to attend Beaufort County Community College.
Hunter Johnson (Meredith College), Michelle Grant (Pitt Community College), Amy McCutcheon (East Carolina), Karen Braddy (East Carolina), Carrie Amici (East Carolina), Elizabeth Robinson (Campbell), Sarah Faucette (University of North Carolina), Meredith Knox (Anderson College) and Lauren Ward (East Carolina) all were awarded partial scholarships.
Over the past six years, the tournament has raised over $40,000 in educational-aid money for local athletes, and, according to Andrews, each year is just as special as the first.
“It really means a lot to me, that we can help some of these girls,” Andrews said. “Especially because there are a lot of girls who’s finances aren’t that great, but being able to help someone further their education means a lot to me; they (the kids) mean everything to me.”
The feeling was mutual, as current and former members of the Washington Girls Softball League took turns thanking Andrews for his support over the years during the ceremony.
Former Pungo Christian Academy standout Hunter Johnson says that Andrews has played a major role in her life.
“Mr. Bobby has played a central role in my life because I have been involved in softball since I was playing T-ball,” Johnson said. “He has always been out here, and my brother and sister think so much of him. He means a lot to me and my family. ... When I think of Mr. Bobby, I think of how he always talked about the importance of sportsmanship and having a good attitude on the ball field. I have really taken that and applied it to my life.”
Washington High School graduate and former softball star Meredith Knox says she has many fond memories of the Washington Girls Softball League and Andrews.
“I remember when I was little my dad used to always take me to the rec center,” Knox said. “I remember walking in Mr. Bobby office and sitting on his knee, giving him a hug around the neck and a kiss on the cheek ... and every time I see him I still do that.”
Karen Braddy was another exceptional former Pam Pack athlete who received a partial scholarship on Thursday, and said that the whole ceremony was touching.
“It means a lot to get the scholarship from Mr. Bobby because I love him to death,” Braddy said. “Just being around here means a lot to me; this whole tournament is really good for the girls. He (Andrews) is special because of what he represents, and getting a scholarship is a real honor.”
For six years, the Bobby Andrews Scholarship Tournament has handed out scholarships to softball players who are attending college and have exhibited excellence both on the field and off.
This year, the organization awarded scholarship money to 13 women who fit the criteria. Melissa Spain, Jessica Harris, Lauren Moore and Sarah Holt each got full scholarships to attend Beaufort County Community College.
Hunter Johnson (Meredith College), Michelle Grant (Pitt Community College), Amy McCutcheon (East Carolina), Karen Braddy (East Carolina), Carrie Amici (East Carolina), Elizabeth Robinson (Campbell), Sarah Faucette (University of North Carolina), Meredith Knox (Anderson College) and Lauren Ward (East Carolina) all were awarded partial scholarships.
Over the past six years, the tournament has raised over $40,000 in educational-aid money for local athletes, and, according to Andrews, each year is just as special as the first.
“It really means a lot to me, that we can help some of these girls,” Andrews said. “Especially because there are a lot of girls who’s finances aren’t that great, but being able to help someone further their education means a lot to me; they (the kids) mean everything to me.”
The feeling was mutual, as current and former members of the Washington Girls Softball League took turns thanking Andrews for his support over the years during the ceremony.
Former Pungo Christian Academy standout Hunter Johnson says that Andrews has played a major role in her life.
“Mr. Bobby has played a central role in my life because I have been involved in softball since I was playing T-ball,” Johnson said. “He has always been out here, and my brother and sister think so much of him. He means a lot to me and my family. ... When I think of Mr. Bobby, I think of how he always talked about the importance of sportsmanship and having a good attitude on the ball field. I have really taken that and applied it to my life.”
Washington High School graduate and former softball star Meredith Knox says she has many fond memories of the Washington Girls Softball League and Andrews.
“I remember when I was little my dad used to always take me to the rec center,” Knox said. “I remember walking in Mr. Bobby office and sitting on his knee, giving him a hug around the neck and a kiss on the cheek ... and every time I see him I still do that.”
Karen Braddy was another exceptional former Pam Pack athlete who received a partial scholarship on Thursday, and said that the whole ceremony was touching.
“It means a lot to get the scholarship from Mr. Bobby because I love him to death,” Braddy said. “Just being around here means a lot to me; this whole tournament is really good for the girls. He (Andrews) is special because of what he represents, and getting a scholarship is a real honor.”
 |
 |
|
| ‘Mr. Bobby’ a special man with big heart | Pirates’ Lee ready for an even better season |
