Phydell Paris and Kate Griffin have been named the October Warriors of the Month. Paris was honored at halftime of the men's basketball game against Johnson & Wales while Griffin was recognized at halftime of the football game against Western New Mexico.
Paris, a native of Thornton, Colorado, is pushing himself to be the best running back in Black Hills State history as he owns the top rushing performance for the Yellow Jackets in the NCAA era when he ran for 182 yards at South Dakota Mines. He is also in position to become the first 1,000-yard rusher since 2009 and already over halfway to the career rushing record.
He eclipsed the 1,000 yard mark for the season when he ran for 146 yards against Western New Mexico this past Saturday.
The redshirt-sophomore was voted as a team captain by his peers this year while serving on the Football Leadership Council and works in Student Support Services tutoring and mentoring fellow students. He owns a 3.69 GPA in psychology and is a Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference First Team All-Academic selection, combining his athletic talents with academic accomplishments.
Kate Griffin, hailing from Savage, Minnesota, is a member of the inaugural triathlon team and also competes for the track and field team. She has been the first or second finisher in every competition for the Yellow Jackets and placed in the top-three of her age bracket in each triathlon. Griffin was the first Yellow Jacket across the finish line at the Littlefoot Triathlon when she timed in at 1:10.51, and was second-fastest in her age bracket.
Off the playing surface, Griffin owns a 3.88 GPA in Exercise Science and named to the RMAC Honor Roll. She is an active member of the Newman Club, volunteering with various projects they put on along with volunteering for the United Way Day of Caring. She is also a tutor for student support services and works for the Math Assistance Center on campus.
To be eligible for this award, recipients are nominated by their respective coaching staff then selected by a board of representatives in the Athletic Department based on the following criteria:
a. Achieve a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75.
b. Must exude leadership on and off the playing field.Â
c. Exemplifies characteristics in keeping with the highest traditions of Black Hills State University.Â
d. Participates actively in his/her community or has volunteered in a form of community service.
