July 6, 2005

FRESNO, Calif.- Fresno State senior Jamie Southern, along with Boise State senior Gabriel Wallin, have been named the 2004-05 recipients of the Joe Kearney Award for the Western Athletic Conference. Southern becomes the third Fresno State softball player to win the award. Amanda Scott brought home the award in 1998 and 2000, while Nina Lindenberg won in 1996. The WAC Senior Woman Administrators select the female award winner, while the WAC Athletics Directors choose the male honoree.

Jamie Southern, a senior from Clovis, Calif., graduates this year as one of Fresno State's most decorated student-athletes in school history. Including being a four-year starter on the nationally ranked Bulldog team, she earned three WAC championships and played in four-straight NCAA Softball Championships. She was also a member of the USA National Team, helping the Elite Team to a gold medal at the 10th Canada Cup. Southern started against the 1996 Olympic Silver Medalist China, two-time Olympic Gold Medalist United States and two-time Olympic bronze Medalist Australia. In the final USA Elite statistics, Southern posted a team-best 5-0 record with two shutouts, striking out 37 for a team-best ERA of 0.17.

"Jamie is a coach's dream," said Fresno State head coach Margie Wright. "She not only holds 11 school career pitching records but all six pitching records in WAC history, as well as leading the nation in ERA two of her four years - something that only three other pitchers have done in NCAA D1 history. Her talent as an athlete cannot be surpassed by many. She has proven herself in every area that is a clear indication of her talent, discipline, motivation and focus."

Southern led the country in ERA in both 2002 and 2004, helping her to become the No. 1 pick in the 2005 Ladies Professional Fastpitch Association. She was a three-time first team All-American and four-time first team all-West Region selection. En route to becoming the WAC's all-time wins leader, Southern was tabbed both WAC Pitcher of the Year and first-team all-WAC four times. Statistically, Southern is one of the NCAA's top pitchers of all time. She ranks in nine of the 11 all-time marks, including four in the top 10. Her 79 shutouts are good for fourth, her 141 complete games rank eighth, her 1,321 strikeouts ranks 10th, while her 118 victories ranks 10th.

"Jamie's talent on the field is unparalleled," said Desiree Reed-Francois, Fresno State Senior Woman Administrator. "The four time All-American has been among the nation's elite on the college level since her arrival as a freshman. Her talent and drive in the classroom are equally impressive. However, what makes Jamie so special is that she does not take her gifts for granted. She works hard, appreciates all that she is given, and is always there to congratulate her teammates, provide an interview in a difficult situation, or stop to encourage a young person interested in the game."

Previous Joe Kearney Award Winners

2004-05
Gabriel Wallin, Boise State- track and field
Jamie Southern, Fresno State- softball

2003-04
Kirk Snyder, Nevada- basketball
Kim Willoughby, Hawai'i- volleyball

2002-03
Nick Watney, Fresno State- golf
Kim Willoughby, Hawai'i- volleyball/basketball

2001-02
David Carr, Fresno State- football
Stacy Prammanasudh, Tulsa- golf

2000-01
LaDainian Tomlinson, TCU- football
Florence Ezeh, SMU- track and Field

1999-00
Courtney Alexander, Fresno State- basketball
Amanda Scott, Fresno State- softball

1998-99
Andre Miller, Utah- basketball
Martina Moravcova, SMU- swimming

1997-98
Lars Frolander, SMU- swimming
Amanda Scott, Fresno State- softball

1996-97
Keith Van Horn, Utah- basketball
Martina Moravcova, SMU- swimming

1995-96
Keith Van Horn, Utah- basketball
Nina Lindenberg, Fresno State- softball

1994-95
Stoney Case, New Mexico- football
Suzanne Metz, Utah- gymnastics

1993-94
Marshall Faulk, San Diego State- football
Amy Van Dyken, Colorado State- swimming

1992-93
Marshall Faulk, San Diego State- football
Mikki Kane-Barton, Utah- basketball/volleyball

1991-92
Carlton McDonald, Air Force- football
Anu Kalijurand, Brigham Young- track and field