Pictured above: From left to right, Allison Byars, John Paul Morgan, and Mary (MK) Duffield (Photo by Martin Couch)
Lyon College recognized its top student-athletes at the annual Lyon College Athletics Banquet, awarding the prestigious Dick Winningham and Winnie Marable Awards to standout individuals for the 2024–25 academic year.
John Paul Morgan was named recipient of the Dick Winningham Award, which honors athletic excellence and leadership in memory of longtime Lyon men’s basketball coach R.C. Winningham. Morgan’s athletic résumé spans both basketball and track and field, where he has made his mark as a school record-holder in five throwing events. He earned multiple conference honors, including 2025 SLIAC Indoor and Outdoor Field Athlete of the Year, 2024 Outdoor Field Athlete of the Year, and the 2023 American Midwest Conference Field Athlete of the Year.
In basketball, Morgan scored 951 career points and recorded 848 rebounds—third most in program history. He was a consistent presence on All-Conference and All-Academic teams and was named an AMC Champion of Character.
Co-winners of the Winnie Marable Award, named for a longtime physical educator in the Batesville area, were Allison Byars and Mary “MK” Duffield, recognized for excellence in both academics and athletics.
Byars competed in both basketball and soccer during her Lyon career. She was honored as the 2023–24 USCAA Women’s Basketball Student-Athlete of the Year and earned USCAA First Team All-American and Academic All-American honors. Beyond athletics, Byars served as President of the Honors Council and Social Council, and founded the Lyon College Pickleball Club.
Duffield, a softball team captain, was named to the SLIAC All-Conference First Team in 2025 and received national academic recognition as an NFCA All-Scholar Athlete and College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team honoree. Involved in a broad array of academic and leadership roles, she served as SGA Vice President and interned with the Arkansas Attorney General. She has appeared on the Dean’s List five times and earned multiple academic and service awards.
The banquet also featured the presentation of the Scot Awards, given annually in memory of Dennis Gillam to a senior from each team who has completed their playing career and demonstrated sportsmanship, dedication and leadership.
Scot Award winners included:
Baseball: Brayden Anderson
Men’s Basketball: Luke Bridges
Women’s Basketball: Haven Cooper
Cheer and Dance: Samantha Byrd
Women’s Track and Field: Aziza Takhi
Men’s Track and Field: John Paul Morgan
Football: Xavier Long
Women’s Golf: Madison Robb
Women’s Soccer: Alexis Whitley
Men’s Soccer: Ryan Jenkins
Softball: Emily Martinez
Volleyball: Samantha Ferguson
Men’s Wrestling: Liam Selhorst
Women’s Wrestling: Mikayla Wallace
The event celebrated student-athletes’ achievements both on and off the field, highlighting Lyon College’s emphasis on academic excellence, athletic performance, and community leadership.
Images provided by Lyon College Athletics
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