Around the State: DBU women’s golf team national champs

The Dallas Baptist University Patriots claimed their first NCAA Division II Women’s Golf National Championship on May 15. Picture (left to right) are Connor Smith, director of athletics at DBU; All-Americans Olivia Mitchell and Hannah Harrison; Head Coach Kenny Trapp; All-Americans Faith DeLaGarza, Jaycie Stewart and Julia Garcia. (DBU Photo)

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The Dallas Baptist University Patriots claimed their first NCAA Division II Women’s Golf National Championship on May 15. With points tied at two apiece for DBU and Lynn University, the single stroke by WGCA Freshman of the Year Olivia Mitchell clinched the title to cap off the season, which included Lone Star Conference and NCAA championships. In addition to Mitchell, four other DBU players received All-American honors—Hannah Harrison, Faith DeLaGarza, Jaycie Stewart and Julia Garcia. Head Coach Kenny Trapp was named the West Region Coach of the Year by the Women’s Golf Coaches Association, and Josh Aguilar was named the NCAA Division II Golf Pride Women’s Golf Coaches Assistant Coach of the Year. The women’s golf team was the third DBU team to claim a national championship this year. The university’s dance team and cheer team also won national championships.

Hardin-Simmons University’s board of trustees approved the addition of a major in engineering and authorized financial support to begin renovations on Abilene Hall to house the engineering department. Emily Hunt, professor and dean of the College of Engineering at West Texas A&M University, is consulting with HSU in the development and launch of the program, scheduled to launch in fall 2023. “We are thrilled for the opportunities this program will allow to students, as well as industry employers who are in need of more qualified workforce applicants. It’s a win/win for the community and HSU graduates,” said Laura Moore, chair of the board of trustees.

Rpsa Ramirez

Rosa Ramirez of Lubbock was named as a recipient of the Hispanic Christian Leadership Scholarship at Wayland Baptist University. Based on academic standing and leadership in church, the scholarship is designed to recognize an outstanding Hispanic student each year, offering full tuition, room and board throughout the student’s undergraduate years. She is the daughter of Celie and Robby Ramirez and attends Community Heights Church in Lubbock, where she is a member of the worship team, helps with the children’s ministry and teaches Bible study for youth. Her pastor, Daniel “Tiny” Dominguez, recommended her for the scholarship. “I’m very excited to go to Wayland, because I have been looking at this school for years now,” Ramirez said. “I really wanted to go to a Christian school, and I know going here that I will meet people who are really God-centered, and it will help me with my walk with Christ, as well.”

Howard Payne University recently recognized six students for their servant leadership on campus and in the community. Graduating seniors Xavier Haines of Early and Matthew Martin of Lampasas each were awarded the Nat Tracy Servant Leader Award. The award was established in 1998 to honor the life of the late Nat Tracy, a faculty member in HPU’s School of Christian Studies from 1950 to 1975. Haines, who majored in Christian education and history, was a pitcher on the Yellow Jacket baseball team and a small-group leader at Coggin Avenue Baptist Church in Brownwood. He also was involved in Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the HPU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. Martin, who majored in kinesiology, served as an FCA representative for the Yellow Jacket football team four years and on the FCA student government. HPU Servant Leadership Awards were presented to juniors Salina Ali of San Antonio, Jordan Givens of Rusk, Grace Hawkins of Stephenville and McKennah Randall of Lampasas. Nominations for the awards are solicited each spring from HPU staff, faculty and students. “When you look at the teachings and example of Jesus, serving is at the center,” said Gary Gramling, dean of the School of Christian Studies. “We are tremendously blessed at HPU to have students of such character.”

Retirement

David O. Dykes after five decades in ministry and 30 years as senior pastor of Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler, effective Aug. 31.


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