Eastern Student-Athletes Honored with 56th Annual Larry Stone Awards

For the past 56 years, Eastern Oklahoma State College has honored the legacy of a former two-sport athlete and Marine lieutenant who died in combat while on patrol in Vietnam, the late Larry Stone of Jay, Okla.

Stone played football and baseball at Eastern in the early 1960s and was known for his selfless attitude and commitment to his team. It is this lasting impression that prompted a group of his former college teammates and classmates to honor his legacy by presenting the annual Larry Stone Award to one male and one female student-athlete who exemplifies the same characteristics. A memorial scholarship is also awarded to two student-athletes who will return to Eastern for their sophomore years.

Eastern sophomores Kaylynn Whelan and Jackson Greene were selected for the 2024 Larry Stone Award on the basis of their overall contributions to the spirit of athletics and their demonstration of teamwork, determination, unselfishness and citizenship. Alexis Helzer and Tatum Hayworth each received the Larry Stone Memorial Scholarship.

Whelan is a basketball player from Del City, Okla. She graduated with a degree in physical science and carried a 3.4 GPA during her time at Eastern. She was a vital contributor to the Lady Mountaineer basketball team. Whelan has committed to continue her academic and athletic careers at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma next year.

"Kaylynn has been great not only on the court but in the classroom," said Head Women's Basketball Coach and Athletic Director Al Davis. "Everyone on the team loves being around her and she is very coachable with great leadership skills as well. Academics have always been her main priority and I know she will continue to grow and be very successful in life."

Greene is a basketball player from Atlanta, Ga. He graduated with a degree in business administration and earned a 4.0 GPA. Greene was an important contributor in the Mountaineer lineup and was named to the NJCAA Region 2 All-Region Team. Greene has committed to continue his academic and athletic career at Idaho State University next year.

"Jackson embodies what the Larry Stone award means," said Head Men's Basketball Coach Tim Miser. "He strives for excellence on the court, in the classroom and in the community. Jackson is a great leader on and off the court and is a great teammate. His determination, work ethic, passion and selflessness can be felt by anyone who comes in contact with him."

Helzer is a softball player from Lee's Summit, Mo. She is majoring in English and earned a 3.45 GPA through her first year at Eastern.

Hayworth is a baseball player from Tulsa, Okla. He is majoring in Life Science and earned a 3.78 GPA through his first year at Eastern.