At Howard Payne University’s academic convocation chapel on Wednesday, April 24th, the 2024 Paul J. Cunningham Memorial Award and the Tami Pattillo Memrial Award were given to HPU standout student-athletes Tanner Benson and Bree Cason.

2024 Paul J. Cunningham Memorial Award recipient – Tanner Benson
A two-time Academic All-Conference selection and 2023 CSC Academic All-District honoree, Tanner was recognized as a 3rd Team All-Conference selection in 2023. In 2024, he hit a team-best .430 with 61 hit and 28 RBI at the plate. Benson has been involved in volunteer work at the Corinne T. Smith Animal Center and at First Baptist Church in Brownwood, Texas.

2024 Tami Pattillo Memorial Award recipient – Bree Cason
As a five-year letter winner, Bree has appeared in 96 games, pitched 482.1 innings, recorded 266 strikeouts, and holds the HPU career record for starts with 73 and appearances with 96. This season, Cason led the ASC in strikeouts with 99. She was also among the leaders in NCAA Division III this season for complete games with 20. A multiple Academic All-Conference and 2023 CSC Academic All-District selection, she finished her career with 28 total victories.

The Paul J. Cunningham Memorial Award is an effort to perpetuate the memory of a bright, talented young athlete who represented the highest qualities of the student-athlete. In addition to being an outstanding athlete, Paul was a quality student, a leader on and off the field, and a professing Christian. He loved his school, his teammates, and proudly represented Howard Payne University. This award is given to the Howard Payne University male athlete who best represents these qualities as voted on by the university’s athletic administration staff. Link To All-Time Award Winners

The Tami Pattillo Memorial Award honors the memory and athletic/academic accomplishments of a female athlete who was also a real lady. Tami was exceptional in the classroom and on the basketball court, while battling the diabetes that took her life too soon. She held an abiding love for her Lord, her family, her friends and Howard Payne University. This award is presented to the female athlete who most represents the HPU spirit, as chosen by the university’s athletic administration staff. Link To All-Time Award Winners