Teachers Credit Union (TCU) presented the coveted W.B. Hawkins Award, named in honor of TCU’s President and CEO from 1962-1987, to two high school basketball players at the conclusion of the 57th annual TCU Bi-County Tournament this past weekend. The TCU Bi-County Tournament is one of the area’s oldest sports traditions with eight boys and girls varsity teams squaring off in their quest for the title. In addition to the excitement on the court, TCU annually presents the W.B. Hawkins Award, as well as a $1,000 scholarship, to a boys and girls varsity athlete who exemplifies excellence in academics and athletics, as well as makes positive contributions to the community.
TCU is pleased to announce that the 2022 W.B. Hawkins Award winners are Connor Large, from Triton Jr.-Sr. High School and Elizabeth Edmonds, from Argos Jr.-Sr. High School. Both recipients embody the values that the W.B. Hawkins Award represents, and each has excelled in their high school careers.
“The TCU Bi-County Tournament is a wonderful tradition in our area that provides the ideal backdrop to celebrate talented young people and the communities that support them,” said Waylon Peterson, Interim President and CEO of TCU. “It is a privilege to have the opportunity to recognize the recipients of the W.B. Hawkins Award and we’re proud to honor this year’s winners for the model qualities they represent. TCU is also pleased to contribute to our winners’ educations and the support we provide through the Hawkins Award truly speaks to our mission of education and community service.”
Large is a selfless, team-focused leader that is constantly working to improve himself. He has received the Most Improved Award in basketball, the Free Throw Percentage Award, and is a Mental Attitude Award recipient and an all-conference MVP. Large demonstrates leadership and commitment on the basketball and tennis courts, the golf course, and in the classroom. A member of the National Honor Society, he stays busy with extracurricular activities such as the Spirit Club, Senior Squad and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. His commitments extend into the community as well, having volunteered time with Blessings in a Backpack, at Autumn Trace Senior Community, Camp Creek Youth Group and with Triton’s Junior Basketball League.
Edmonds shines in both the classroom and on the court. Ranked first in her senior class, she is the captain of the basketball team and has led the team in points and rebounds the last three years. She leads by example and is typically the first to get to practice and the last to leave the court. She’s also the first to lend a hand to an injured player or to offer words of encouragement when a teammate is down. She is an ideal role model for youth in the community and spends time refereeing youth soccer and working with kids at basketball camp. She has also coached an Elementary Forestry Team and has volunteered her time with the Argos Scholar Sprint to raise scholarship funds for the school.
