ICC athletics earns prestigious Halbrook Award for academic success
Adam Gore/LetsGoICC.com

FULTON, MS – Itawamba Community College was awarded the Halbrook Award for the greatest improvement in percentage of student-athletes graduating during the Mississippi Association of Colleges annual meeting in Jackson.

"We stress academics along with athletics," said ICC Athletic Director Carrie Ball-Williamson. "We are so thankful that we were honored with this award. This award goes to more than just our student-athletes and coaches, our Student Success Center has been a tremendously positive attribute for not only the athletes but all our students here at ICC."

With a 20 percent increase in graduating student-athletes during the 2012-13 school year, the John C. and Earnestine McCall Halbrook Improvement Award and a check for $1,200 was presented to ICC President Mike Eaton.

"I am proud of our institution and out athletes," said President Eaton. "Our coaching staffs, Advising Center, and Student Success Center have done a great job working together to make this possible. We expect our athletes to maintain a high level of academic success, and our athletic department is committed to that achievement."

Soccer player CoSIDA Capital One Academic All-American nominee Amanda Segovia (Amory) and state champion tennis player Matthew Peugh (Shannon) were among 30 community and junior college student-athletes honored based on excellence in academics, athletic contribution, character, community service and leadership.

Established in 1984 by former Mississippi Representative David M. Halbrook and his brothers John and James Halbrook in honor of their parents, the awards are presented annually to encourage academic excellence of student-athletes in Mississippi's colleges and universities.

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