SWOSU'S Perkins Wins National Award
May 11, 2006
Cecil Perkins
The Neyland Award, which recognizes annually the most outstanding athletic directors in the region, was shared this year by Perkins and West Texas A&M Athletic Director Ed Harris.
Perkins has been at SWOSU since 1981 and is credited with overseeing a broad based sports program that boasts a proud and successful history. He has kept the Bulldog athletic teams competing at high levels in both the NAIA and now as a member of NCAA Division II and the rugged Lone Star Conference. SWOSU teams have won 12 national champions under his watch (6) rodeo, (5) women’s basketball and (1) football title in that time.
The AAFF was founded in 1994 and supported by 165 colleges and universities nationwide. Its establishment was to honor individuals for distinguished contributions to the game of football in all phases of the game. Honorees include college presidents, faculty athletic representatives, commissioners, coaches, sports writers, managers, trainers and the player’s themselves.
In addition, regional award banquets raise scholarship funds that are presented to institutions attended by outstanding college seniors who are selected for exemplary leadership from a national pool.
Banquets of Champions are held in selected cities where honorees are hosted and presented with plaques attesting to their contributions. The proceeds help to support the Foundation's activity, including its scholarship fund. Last year 11 scholarships were awarded on behalf of selected athletes to the general scholarship fund of their schools.