Marty’s Gala: A Night of Champions Celebrates Another Memorable Year for Sandhills Athletics

Student-athletes, coaches, administrators, family members, and supporters gathered Friday night on the campus of Sandhills Community College for "Marty's Gala: A Night of Champions," the annual athletics banquet celebrating the accomplishments of Flyers athletics during the 2025-26 academic year.

The evening was emceed by Sandhills alumnus and longtime Voice of Flyers Volleyball Jeff Garner, who guided attendees through a night filled with celebration, reflection, and recognition of another successful year for Sandhills athletics.

The banquet opened with a special alumni video featuring former Flyers student-athletes congratulating current athletes while sharing favorite memories from their time at Sandhills and offering words of encouragement for the future. Following the video, attendees enjoyed dinner and fellowship while participating in raffles and interactive activities throughout the evening.

One of the major highlights of the night was a special recognition honoring the Sandhills men's golf team for winning the 2025 NJCAA National Championship — the program's fifth consecutive national title. Head coach Gus Ulrich recognized the historic accomplishment before members of the championship team received their national championship rings.

Another special moment came with the recognition of Vegas Melen as the 2025 Louis Meyer Brown Award winner, honoring the top student-athlete at Sandhills Community College.

Indoor volleyball head coach Alicia Riggan then presented the team awards for court volleyball. Jacque Holden received the program's Glue Award, while Averi Cuddeback earned the Next Level Award.

Riggan also recognized several major postseason honors earned during the year, including Brooke Emore being named Region Player of the Year, First Team All-Region, and First Team All-American. Cuddeback was recognized as a First Team All-Region selection, Second Team All-American, and team captain, while Katelyn Bunting earned First Team All-Region honors, NJCAA Defensive Player of the Week recognition, and served as a team captain. Olivia Rosy and Madison Scheffler were both recognized as Second Team All-Region selections.

Following the volleyball awards, Ryan Riggan recognized Sandhills student-athletes for their academic accomplishments including those who qualified for Region 10 academic recognition.

Student-athletes honored for academic excellence included Mylon Campbell, Randy Dockery, Zori Island, Dominic Kennedy, Tomisaac Newkirk, Cristian Sias, Kendall Smith, and Isaiah Upchurch from men's basketball. Court volleyball honorees included Olivia Bowman, Liz Bryson, Katelyn Bunting, Jacque Holden, Reagan Malpass, Taylor Miller, Julia Porter, Megan Robinson, Neveah Ross, Olivia Rosy, Madison Scheffler, Giannie Small, and Reagan Smith.

The men's golf program was represented academically by Wyatt Beaver, Sebastian Haug, Drake Hull, Noel Haveneth, Vegas Melen, Robert Reedy, Michael Switzer, and Trace Wallace, while beach volleyball honorees included Jaselyn Fink, Emery Freeman, Ava Hancock, Alyssa Ingle, Kennedy Koziarz, and Kaylee Lancaster.

Men's basketball head coach Mike Apple reflected on the Flyers' season and recognized the program's All-Region performers after previously hosting a team award gathering earlier in the spring.

The evening also featured the presentation of the annual Community Service Awards, recognizing student-athletes in each program who completed the most community service hours throughout the year. Michael Switzer earned the award for men's golf, Emery Freeman was recognized for beach volleyball, and Megan Robinson received the honor for court volleyball.

Ulrich later returned to the stage to present the men's golf program awards. Vegas Melen received the High Flyer Award for posting the team's lowest scoring average, while Noel Haveneth earned the Iron Man Award for his consistency, dedication, and commitment to improving his game.

Sandhills Community College President Dr. Alexander Stewart presented Kathy "Kak" Johnson with the Good "Stewart" Award in recognition of her tremendous support of the Flyers athletic department.

Beach volleyball awards followed later in the evening as Alicia Riggan recognized Katelyn Bunting and Reagan Malpass with the program's Best Pair Award after the duo posted a 12-2 record in Region 10 play during the season. Jaselyn Fink was also honored with the Beach Volleyball Breakout Award.

The final awards of the evening recognized the top overall student-athletes in the athletic department. Brooke Emore was named the Sandhills Female Athlete of the Year, while Vegas Melen earned Male Athlete of the Year honors.

The banquet also celebrated the sophomore student-athletes scheduled to graduate on Saturday, May 16. Representing the volleyball programs were Megan Robinson, Julia Porter, Jacque Holden, Katelyn Bunting, Reagan Smith, Olivia Rosy, Kennedy Koziarz, Emery Freeman, and Anyssia Mains.

The men's basketball program recognized graduating sophomores Mylon Campbell, Titus Cunningham, Randy Dockery, Dominic Kennedy, Amarie Liburd, Zack Noel, Kendall Smith, Nylikk Troutman, and Isaiah Upchurch, while men's golf graduating sophomores included Vegas Melen, Wyatt Beaver, Will Dement, Trace Wallace, and Robert Reedy.

The night closed with a special sophomore tribute video and the continued celebration of another outstanding year for Sandhills Community College athletics.