Who’s your Draddy? Texas football standout Dallas Griffin was named the 2007 recipient of the Draddy Trophy last night. One of college football’s most prestigious awards, the Draddy Trophy recognizes an individual for academic success, football performance and community leadership. With a 3.88 GPA and having already graduated with a double major in business and finance, Griffin is currently enrolled in the university’s MBA program. The award comes with a $25,000 postgraduate scholarship.

Praising the Palestra. Kieran Darcy cherished every second of his college basketball experience at Pennsylvania. Although he spent all but one game playing exclusively at the junior-varsity level, Darcy’s academic pursuits were undeniably enhanced by his participation in intercollegiate athletics. In his piece for ESPN’s “Page 2,” Darcy documents his collegiate experience and describes his emotional appearance at the varsity level and the shot that capped his career.

Take back the night. Members of the Barton baseball team participated in the college’s “Take Back the Night” program recently, recognizing victims of domestic violence in North Carolina during the past year. Each lit candle symbolizes a victim. About 100 Barton students, faculty and staff members attended the program, including 40 baseball players.

And your winners are… The National Soccer Coaches Association of America released its academic award winners for 2007 and 406 teams (111 men, 295 women) finished with cumulative GPA’s higher than 3.0. On the women’s side, Murray State and Central Michigan posted GPAs of 3.61 to lead the way.

Special shopping sprees. Members of the Lincoln Memorial basketball teams and volleyball team spent time with some special children from their community on Tuesday morning, as 177 elementary school students went on shopping sprees with representatives from the non-profit ROHO Club. Each year, less-fortunate youngsters are selected to go to a Wal-Mart in Middlesboro, Kentucky and are accompanied by volunteers who help them find appropriate clothing and toys.