Bluffton University's annual Athletics Awards Forum became a family affair on April 20.

Moments after basketball player Ginny Buckingham received the Kathryn E. Little Award as the university's outstanding senior female athlete, her father, Keith, was presented the Larry W. Jones Memorial Award for his support of, and significant contributions to, Bluffton athletics.

Joining the Buckinghams, of Bluffton, as an award recipient was baseball player Cody McPherson of Northwood, Ohio, who earned the A.C. Burcky Award as outstanding senior male athlete.

Preceding the awards ceremony was a presentation by Jim Steffen, a "motivational fitness" speaker and author of the book "Fun Fitness for Families."

Ginny Buckingham

The Little Award is based on scholarship, academic abilities and campus leadership, as well as four years of participation in at least one sport. Ginny Buckingham, who is majoring in marketing/business, "epitomizes the Division III student-athlete," according to her presenter, Tamara Forbes, associate professor of recreation and chair of the health, physical education and recreation (HPER) department. "She has a strong work ethic, is loyal and values her liberal arts education. She was a three-year team captain, a solid communicator and vocal leader on and off the court."

Buckingham received all-Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) honorable mention in 2009-10, when she started all 24 games and averaged 10.7 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. During her career, she started 79 of Bluffton's 87 games and wound up third on the university's all-time rebounding list with 631-just 16 shy of the record-and 14th on both the all-time scoring (798 points) and steals (108) lists. She had career single-game highs of 22 points and 16 rebounds, and reached double digits in both points and rebounds 15 times.

"Having watched Ginny grow up in this community, I can honestly say it has been a pleasure to know that she represents our athletics department with pride and distinction," Forbes said.

Buckingham's award is named for Kathryn Little, who served in Bluffton's HPER department and athletics from 1958-74. She was a member of the first class inducted into the Bluffton Athletic Hall of Fame, also in 1974.

Keith Buckingham

As a longtime supporter of Bluffton athletics and its student-athletes, Keith Buckingham was honored with the Jones Award, which is named for a 1970 graduate who played varsity basketball and later officiated numerous Bluffton basketball games before his death in a 1978 auto accident. The award goes to a non-athlete, whether a student, faculty or staff member, or citizen.

Buckingham serves the university community "in multiple roles, all for the student-athlete," noted his presenter, Dr. George Metz, associate professor of education, education department chair and faculty athletics representative.

"He has taken on a significant leadership position in partnering for a basketball tip-off tournament," Metz said. "He has been instrumental in securing his corporation's role in this activity as a financial backer for the success of intercollegiate athletics experiences at Bluffton University."

Cody McPherson

Athletics Director Phill Talavinia presented the Burcky Award to McPherson, a middle childhood education major who graduated in December and is now in Bluffton's master's degree program in education.

A pitcher and outfielder, McPherson was second-team all-HCAC in 2007 and, in 2009, received all-conference honorable mention as well as Academic all-HCAC honors. In 85 career games at Bluffton entering this season, the Lake High School graduate carried a .353 batting average with 25 doubles, nine home runs and 60 RBI, and ranked in the top 20 of many all-time statistical categories.

"He has excelled in the classroom and on the playing field," said Talavinia, quoting McPherson's coach, James Grandey. "He has also been very active and involved in campus and community activities. He is devoted to his faith and his family, and never wavers from his core values.

"Being a baseball player at Bluffton does not define Cody; it enhances who he is and what he will become."

The Burcky Award is named for the late professor of physical education and coach who served Bluffton from 1922-68. He was inducted into the NAIA Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962 and, in 1970, the A.C. Burcky addition to Founders Hall was dedicated in his honor. Burcky died in 1989 at age 93.
Steffen, of Findlay, used his presentation to exhort his forum listeners to exercise, eat healthy and add a dose of optimism. "Give the world that optimistic attitude, and the world will give you that back," the former personal trainer said.

Demonstrating a number of training moves on an exercise ball, the University of Findlay graduate stressed sacrifice-"Little things make the big results when you start your exercise lifestyle," he asserted-along with patience and perseverance. "Everybody can train on the ball and get great results," but it takes time, he said.

Steffen also talked about setting targets, for less food consumption and more water intake, for example, and the importance of having fitness partners for support. "It can make the difference between a win and a loss," he said.
On top of its health benefits, exercise makes you feel good, Steffen added. "The exercise high is the only way to fly," he enthused. "Grit your teeth and dig in."