Parker, Downing Receive Bill Smith Award

Two prominent student-athletes at the University of Science and Arts were honored on Tuesday by the USAO Board of Regents for achieving success both on the field and in the classroom.

Regents Chairman Maylene Hillburn introduced soccer player Laura Parker of Oklahoma City, and baseball player Brian Downing of Ardmore during the board’s April 12 meeting. Each received a framed certificate and a cash award as winners of the 2005 Bill Smith Scholar-Athlete Award.

As a soccer player, Laura Parker was a four-year starter and two-year captain for the Drovers, and owns two single-season and career school records. Parker started 71 of 76 career games, while maintaining a 3.83 grade-point average as an art major. She is scheduled to graduate this summer with a bachelor of fine arts degree.

In her career, Parker finished with 59 points on 19 goals and 26 assists. She tied two others for a school-record nine assists in 2003, and holds the record for most career assists. In addition to her many athletic accomplishments, Parker was also a two-time NAIA Scholar-Athlete. She came to USAO from Putnam City North High School.

“Laura was a dedicated player and tremendous leader for our team,” said USAO soccer coach Jimmy Hampton. “She demonstrated sportsmanship and character on the field, and in her everyday student life. I can’t think of anyone who deserved this award more than Laura Parker.”

Brian Downing transferred to USAO from Eastern Oklahoma State College, after a two-year career. He has spent two seasons as a pitcher on the Drover baseball team, while maintaining a 3.8 GPA as a psychology major. Downing is scheduled to graduate magna cum laude this spring, and has been accepted to law schools at Oklahoma City University and University of Tulsa.

Over his two-year career at USAO, Downing has collected 58 career strikeouts in just under 60 innings. In the classroom, he was a member of Psi Chi and Hypatia honor societies, and volunteered with Special Olympics and the USAO Child Development Center. Downing also has served as a volunteer coach in area youth baseball leagues.

“Brian is an extremely hard worker, and serves as a role model for many of our younger players,” said USAO baseball coach L.J. Powell. “Through his many volunteer efforts, Brian helps pass on his knowledge of baseball to local children through coaching, and maintains a high level of achievement in the classroom.”

The Bill Smith Scholar-Athlete Award was created in 1999 by Smith, a career USAO administrator, veteran baseball enthusiast, and international chairman of the Babe Ruth League Inc., the world’s largest youth baseball organization.