Westminster Athletics Hall of Fame

2023: Annie Speese Baker

Annie Speese Baker graduated from Westminster in 2011. At the time of her induction in 2023, she still holds the school girls soccer records for goals in a season (46), goals in a career (172), assists in a season (25), assists in a career (88), points in a season (105) and points in a career (422). Her awards during her time at Westminster include state champion, all conference, all state, and Augusta Chronicle Player of the Year.

After graduating from Westminster, Annie went on to play soccer for the University of Florida for four years.  She was selected to the 2011 SEC All-Freshman Team, and she graduated in December 2014, with a Bachelor of Arts in English and holding records in University of Florida Soccer's top ten all time in Assists (28), Total Points (74), and Games Started (88).  Annie then went on to play for the Charlotte Eagles in the W-League (Missionary Athletes International), where she was selected to the W-League’s Southeastern All-Star Team and was a Finalist for W-League Rookie of the Year in 2015.

After competing for a season with the Charlotte Lady Eagles, Annie joined staff as a missionary for the Lady Eagles (Charlotte branch of Missionary Athletes International) and served for five years (2015-2019) as the Lady Eagles Ministry Director where she had the privilege of mentoring and investing in female college soccer players as they were trained in sports ministry and sent back to their campuses more equipped to share the gospel and minister to their teammates. Her role with the Lady Eagles also gave her the opportunity to lead and participate in international missions trips to Thailand, Trinidad and Colombia (South America).

After her time as a missionary with the Charlotte Eagles, Annie received her Masters Degree in Religion/Cultural Studies at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (December 2021). She and her husband, Patrick, have one child, Audrey Grace Baker, and live in Concord, NC, just outside of Charlotte.

Annie's advice to current student-athletes is to remember to differentiate between who you are and what you do. What we do matters, but it does not define who we are. We are first and foremost sons and daughters of the living God. If you can grasp that truth and build your life on it, you will have the freedom to fully enjoy what you do without the pressure of pleasing and appeasing man. Settle your identity in Christ first, then find ways for your academic and athletic passions (what you do) to be the avenue and platform for you to minister to your friends, colleagues and teammates. Colossians 3:1-4 can help us keep our lives framed within this eternal perspective: "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."

2022: Kevin Curry, Rod Veazey

While at Westminster, Kevin Curry was an All-Region and All-State basketball player, All-Region cross country runner, and he was named the MVP of the baseball team in 2004.  He scored over 1,500 points during his basketball career and his senior year led Westminster to their first region championship and final-four appearance in the state tournament for basketball. Kevin coached the JV basketball team at Westminster and was assistant to the varsity for three years while in college, as well.

After graduating from Westminster in 2005, Kevin attended the University of Georgia for two years, and then transferred to Augusta State University. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education. He was commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Coast Guard after graduation from Augusta State and, at the time of induction, is a Lieutenant in the Coast Guard while pursuing a Masters in Sports Administration at the University of Louisville. He plans to coach after his Coast Guard career.

He and his wife, Kristi, have two daughters, Kennedi and Kora.

Kevin is thankful for God's daily grace and to be a child of God. He has seen through his life while moving around the country with the Coast Guard, God has continually provided for them. God is continuing to teach him to trust God with everything in spite of the circumstances.

One of Kevin's favorite verses to illustrate this is Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

Rod Veazey enrolled at Westminster in 1979 and graduated in 1991. While a student he lettered in numerous sports including golf, tennis, soccer, baseball, and basketball. He was named All-Region and All-State in several sports during his sophomore through senior years. He was Westminster's Male Athlete of the Year his sophomore and junior years. 

After graduation, Rod attended North Carolina State University and received a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, and 10 years later, a J.D. from The Walter F. George School of Law. In the late 1990's and early 2000's, he worked on Capitol Hill for three different Georgia congressmen, including Speaker of the House, Newt Gingrich. He credits Craig Johhnson, who taught history at Westminster, with playing a role in his desire to work in politics. 

Having settled in Mississippi in 2006, Rod is married to Elizabeth Gresham Veazey and has three daughters. Professionally, he manages a wholesale fuel distribution business. Because of his involvement in the fuel business, he has been a member of the board for the Mississippi Propane Gas Association, and has served as its president. He has also served on the Board of the Mississippi Petroleum Marketers Association, and on the Legislative Committee for the Society of Independent Gasoline Marketers. 

Rod credits Westminster with instilling in him the importance of service, whether professionally, in civics, or in the church.

2019: Lauren Snyder George, Anthony Lehn

While at Westminster, Lauren Snyder George was an All-Region and All-State basketball and soccer player.  At the time of her induction, Lauren was the only member of the 2000 Point Basketball Club.  She earned the designation as Westminster’s Female Athlete of the Year three consecutive years (2005-06, 2006-07, 2007-08).

After graduating from Westminster in 2008, Lauren went on to play soccer for Presbyterian College. She graduated from Presbyterian College in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science in biology and a minor in psychology. She then went on to Augusta University where she graduated with her Master of Physician Assistant degree in 2014.

She and her husband, Brett, are involved with Medical Campus Outreach and enjoy giving their time to invest in current healthcare students in order to bring the healing gospel of Jesus Christ to the world so that God might be glorified.

Lauren’s advice to current student-athletes would be to keep their eyes fixed on Jesus. Academic success and athletic accomplishments fade. She encourages Westminster athletes to set their hope on the things that are eternal. Hebrews 12:1-3 says, "Therefore since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author, and perfecter of our faith. For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."

While at Westminster, Anthony Lehn was an All-Region baseball, basketball, and soccer player.  He also earned All-State honors in soccer.  Anthony was named Westminster’s Male Athlete of the Year for three consecutive years (2004-05, 2005-06, 2006-07).

Following his graduation from Westminster in 2007, Anthony graduated from Bob Jones University as a pre-med major in 2011 and then from the Medical College of Georgia in 2015 with a medical doctorate. He completed his anesthesiology residency at the Medical University of South Carolina and went on for additional training to specialize in pediatric anesthesiology.

Anthony is grateful that The Lord continues to teach him how vast His love and His grace is towards him... that no matter what a person has done, either good or bad, His love and grace never changes.

I Cor 15:10a "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain." He has a plan that is bigger and better than anything that can be imagined!

2018: Mike Freace

Coach Freace started his soccer career at a young age playing as early as first grade. He went on to play four years of soccer at Houghton College, where he played in three national tournaments, won 3 region and 2 conference championships.

In addition to coaching at Westminster, he previously coached at Roberts Wesleyan College, where he attended two national championships, at the Augusta Arsenal Soccer Club, and with the Olympic Development Program. In addition to his 9 state championships and 24 region championships for Westminster, he was also named:

• GISA Region 4AAA Coach of the Year - 24 times
• GISA State Coach of the Year – 9 times
• Augusta Chronicle Coach of the Year – 8 times
• Augusta Sports Council Gold Medal Winner for “Outstanding Coach”

Coach Freace, who has captured over 400 career varsity wins, coached both the boys and the girls soccer programs during his 17 years at Westminster. In 2018, he left Westminster and the Augusta area to pursue God’s calling on his life in ministry with the Charlotte Eagles as part of the Missionary Athletes International in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The first line of the Wildcat Way states, "Honor Christ first," and Coach Freace modeled that for his students and all those who worked with him throughout his years at Westminster. In his acceptance remarks, he said, "I think maybe the most difficult part of being up here is that it goes against what I have preached to our program for 17 years . . . we are all part of something bigger, it is not about us. Even as our teams approach this evening, we talk about being gracious for what has been given to us, but always making sure to give honor where it should be given. So my goal is to give honor where it is deserved..."

He also offered the following words of wisdom:  " . . . be Christians who just happen to be athletes, not athletes who happen to be Christians. There is a significant difference...put one foot in front of the other, every single day, to the best of your ability. Wake up each morning, and do the little things for Christ with your best effort. Pray. Spend time with God. Love others well. Serve others well. Don’t cut corners. Be a great friend. Do your best." Psalm 115:1  “Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.”

2016: Jack Moon, Otis Balkcom

Jack Moon was hired by the first Westminster headmaster, Otis Balkcom, out of Asbury College. Mr. Moon was the first boys’ soccer coach at Westminster when soccer began back in 1972. He was the founding coach for what has become one of Westminster’s most successful programs. Mr. Moon also taught science and PE and coached other sports. After a five-year stint at Westminster, he went on to get a Master’s degree at the University of Kentucky and to work at multiple other schools, including serving as an administrator at the Seoul Foreign School in Seoul, Korea.

Otis Balkcom served as the first headmaster and basketball coach at Westminster from 1972-1975. When asked about his love for basketball, he said, “From an early age, basketball has played an important role in my life. Even today, I enjoy watching college ball especially my beloved Kentucky Wildcats. Playing high school and college basketball as well as coaching for years has provided many hours of enjoyment and opportunity for impacting others both for me personally and for my family.”

2015: Taylor Ellison, Bennett Ford

Taylor Ellison graduated from Westminster in 2004. While at Westminster, he played soccer, basketball, and baseball. An outstanding soccer player, Taylor was a member of the 2001 State Championship Soccer team and was All-Region and All-State as a senior. As a senior, he was also named All-Region in both basketball and baseball, earning Best Defensive Player honors in basketball and Best Offensive Player honors in baseball. Because of his excellence in all three sports, Taylor was named Male Athlete of the Year his senior year.

Taylor graduated from the University of Georgia in 2008 and the Medical College of Georgia in 2012. He went on to do his residency in Vascular Surgery in New Orleans at LSU. His nominator said that Taylor was “one of the most popular and respected teammates and competitors in the seven classes that I saw and played with." 

Bennett Ford graduated from Westminster in 2002. He was a four-year starter in soccer, basketball, and baseball. A very talented soccer player, he was a member of two state championship soccer teams (2000, 2001), was named All-Region and All-State his senior year, and was the team’s Most Valuable Player. Bennett is one of the select few Westminster basketball players to achieve “1000 Point Club” status. He was an All-Region basketball player his senior year and was named Best Offensive Player twice during his Westminster career. He also excelled on the baseball field, earning Best Defensive Player honors his sophomore year. For his all-around athletic prowess, Bennett was chosen as the Male Athlete of the Year as a senior.

After graduating from Westminster, Bennett graduated from Georgia Tech.

Bennett’s advice to Westminster athletes: “My challenge to current student athletes is to not let athletic or academic achievements become an idol in their lives. I want to encourage them that God blesses us with things like athletic and academic accomplishments so that we can bless other people.”

2014: Will Boyd, Chris Lutz

Will Boyd attended Westminster from 1991-2004. A very skilled soccer player, he was a member of the 2000 and 2001 state championship teams and received All-State and All-Region honors during his four years on the varsity team. Will served as team captain his junior and senior year and was named the team’s Most Valuable Player as a senior.

Will initially attended Mars Hill College on a soccer scholarship and was named the Defensive Player of the Year during his freshman season. He then transferred to Presbyterian College, where he was a member of the men’s soccer inaugural Division 1 season his senior year. He graduated with honors in 2008 with a degree in biology.

Will received his Doctor of Medical Dentistry from the School of Dentistry at the Medical College of Georgia in 2012.

Chris Lutz, who attended Westminster from 1978 to 1988, was a member of Westminster’s first graduating class. He played a part in laying the foundation of excellence Westminster has come to be known for both in the classroom and on the field.

During his time at Westminster, Chris participated in both soccer and basketball. Chris was named to the GISA All-Region team all four years, made All-State and was named Most Valuable Player in soccer. He also received the Jack Moon Award for leadership and outstanding performance on the soccer field. Chris also made the GISA All-Region basketball team and was named Most Valuable Player for four consecutive years at Westminster. He received the Otis Balcom Award for leadership and outstanding performance on the basketball court and made the All-State team several times. 

After graduation from Westminster, Chris attended Augusta College, where he played soccer and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in political science.  Chris is a graduate of Leadership Columbia County, a Chamber of Commerce program, and he has a passion for servant leadership and being intentional about stewarding his business and influence to make an eternal impact.

Chris credits his years at Westminster for laying the foundation for this passion and challenges Westminster’s current student-athletes to recognize the opportunities Westminster brings so they can establish their own foundations in order to impact and touch others’ lives.

2013: Ann Elizabeth Pollard Lazari, Andrew Tyson

Ann Elizabeth Pollard Lazari  attended Westminster from 1991-2004. During her time at Westminster, Ann Elizabeth participated in and excelled in soccer. During her four years on the girls varsity team, she was named the team’s Best Defensive Player for three consecutive years as well as the team MVP her senior year. She also served as captain for several of those seasons. In addition, she received All Region honors all four years and All State honors multiple years. As a senior, she was named to the All City Girls Soccer Team and received the Morris C. Johnson GISA Coaches Association Athletic-Academic Award.

After her graduation from Westminster in 2004, Ann Elizabeth attended Furman University from which she graduated in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in health and exercise science and a minor in ancient Greek and Roman studies. During college, Ann Elizabeth participated on the Furman University club soccer team for four years and captained the team for two years.

Ann Elizabeth graduated from Georgia Regents University with a Masters of Business Administration in May 2013.  She has also played soccer for the Augusta Amateur Soccer League during part of her time in Augusta after college.

Andrew Tyson attended Westminster from 2000-2003, during which time he participated and excelled in baseball and basketball. Andrew’s athletic accomplishments here at Westminster included All-Region baseball, two years of All-Region basketball and All-State basketball. Additionally, during his time at Westminster, he was named Best Defensive Player for the baseball team and Best Offensive Player and MVP for the basketball team. Upon graduation from Westminster, he received a scholarship to play both baseball and basketball for Southern Wesleyan University. After Southern Wesleyan, Andrew transferred to Augusta State University where he graduated with a Bachelors of Science in education with a minor in business. Andrew also earned a graduate degree in counseling.

2012: Tufik Assad, Austin Jackson

Tufik Assad played varsity soccer and ran on the varsity track team for four years while at Westminster. He was twice named Best Defensive Soccer player. He was also named to the GISA All-Region soccer team three times. As a senior, Tufik was GISA  All-State in both soccer and track.

After graduating from Westminster in 2001, Tufik enrolled at Boston University. In 2005, he graduated with a double major in biochemistry and philosophy and then entered the Medical College of Georgia for medical school.

Austin Jackson played soccer, golf and tennis during his time at Westminster. As a tennis player, he was chosen Most Valuable Player and received GISA All-State honors his senior year. In soccer, he was named GISA All-Region and GISA All-State for three consecutive years. Austin ('01) initially went to Washington and Lee University and played soccer there. He transferred to the University of Georgia the next year, where he walked on the football team as a kicker for one season. He graduated from UGA in 2005 with a degree in political science and Latin. Austin also received a degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law.

2011: Andrew Lehn, Will Hudson, Derek Curry

Andrew Lehn '01, a three-sport letterman at Westminster, had offers to play in college. He was named to the All-State soccer team in 2000 and was the MVP on Westminster‘s first state championship team. He was also designated as an All-Region baseball player on two occasions.

Andrew graduated with a pre-med degree from Bob Jones University and then earned his Medical Doctorate from the Medical College of Georgia.
 

While in high school, Will Hudson '01 was an All-State player in soccer and tennis and an All-Region player in basketball and golf. He was an MVP in three sports at Westminster, and he toured with the Junior Tennis Circuit and was a ranked tennis player in the state of Georgia. Will received offers to play soccer and tennis in college.

He is a 2005 graduate of Furman University with a bachelor‘s degree in political science. “I grew up dreaming of wearing a Westminster jersey. I was the ball boy [at games beginning in] third grade. It was a proud moment to wear a varsity jersey; it always meant so much to me to play for my school. Westminster has had the greatest impact on shaping who I am today,” Will said. “I tell my mother that I am so thankful for her sacrifice to send me to Westminster, and I tell Westminster students that they should go home and thank their parents every night for giving them the privilege to attend Westminster.”

Derek Curry '02 was salutatorian. While at Westminster, he was honored with the Outstanding Student Award and was named to the All-State basketball team three times. He scored more than 1,800 points for WSA. Derek was also an All-Region player in baseball and All-Region runner in cross-country, winning the 1999 region cross-country meet.

Though he had offers to play college basketball, Derek chose to attend the Georgia Institute of Technology to major in chemical engineering. He graduated with honors from Georgia Tech.

2010: Daniel Hancock, Dio Cheatam

Daniel Hancock '97 was on the first basketball team at the school to qualify for a AAA state playoff game. He was a starter on the team for five years and compiled more than 1,000 points in his career. Daniel was also involved with baseball and cross-country while at Westminster. He is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy.

Dio Cheatam '92 was captain of the boys soccer team for three years and a member of the first soccer team to achieve more than eight wins in a season at Westminster.

2009: Anna Day Batzig, David Hanks

Anna Day Batzig ’99 ran cross-country and track and played soccer at Westminster. She was a four-year member of the cross-country team, serving as captain for her last three years. She was named Most Valuable Runner all four years. Earning GISA All-State honors, she was the GISA State Champion two years. Anna also played soccer for two years and ran track for two years. On the track team, she served as co-captain for one year and was the Most Valuable Runner honoree both years on the team. Anna was chosen as a Channel 6 Scholar Athlete as a junior and was the Westminster Female Athlete of the Year her senior year.

David Hanks has been a part of the Westminster community since 1978. As a parent and then a grandparent, a trustee and then a trustee emeritus, David is a most ardent supporter of all things Westminster. He has been a faithful Wildcat fan for numerous years, continuing to cheer on Westminster athletes long after his own children graduated. In every way, he supports the school as it “seeks to glorify God by providing an excellent education that equips students to live extraordinary lives for Jesus Christ."

2008: Anna Merwin Peppinger, Chad Cook

Anna Merwin Peppinger graduated from Westminster in 1996 and excelled in basketball and track. She was GISA All-State and state champion in the two-mile race. She won the Most Outstanding Athlete award at WSA for 1994-95 and 1995-96. She also received the Christian Leadership Award at WSA for 1995-96.

Chad Cook graduated from Westminster in 1994. He still holds the title of the boys basketball all-time leading scorer with 1,900 points. He was also recognized as a GISA All-State basketball player. After graduating from Westminster, he played basketball for South Carolina State and Augusta State University.

2007: Charles Howell III, Julianne Savage Halvorson, John House, Amy Hancock Robertson, 2000 State Championship Soccer Team

Charles Howell III graduated from Westminster in 1997 where he was named a GISA All-State golf player and state champion. At the collegiate level, he was named the NCAA Individual National Champion for Oklahoma State and won the NCAA team championship in 2000. He was named an All American in 1998, 1999 and 2000. Charles has gone on the be a member of the PGA Tour.

Julianne Savage Halvorson graduated from Westminster in 1999. During her time playing soccer for the Wildcats, she was named a GISA All-State player three times and broke the school record for goals in a season and career. She earned the Most Outstanding Athlete award at WSA for the 1996-97 season. After graduating Westminster, she went on to play soccer for Covenant College and led the team to two NAIA National Tournaments. Her soccer accolades while at Covenant include team captain, first team All AAC in 2002, team MVP in 2002, first team All Region in 2002 and honorable mention All American in 2002. The 2002 team on which she played holds the record for most wins and least goals allowed (17).

John House graduated from Westminster in 1993 and was a two-time All State soccer player during his time playing for the Wildcats. John went on to play soccer for Princeton University where he was named All Ivy League First Team in 1995 and All Ivy League Academic in 1996.

Amy Hancock Robertson graduated from Westminster in 1992 where she excelled at basketball and track. She scored 1,000 points while playing for the Wildcat basketball team and was named Most Outstanding Athlete at WSA for the 1988-89, 1989-90, 1990-91 and 1991-92 seasons. She also received the Westminster Christian Leadership Award in 1998-89 and 1991-92.

The 2000 State Championship Soccer team was the first-ever state championship team at Westminster. During the 1999-2000 season, the team ended with a 19-2-2 overall record, was ranked #10 in the NSCAA Region 4, and scored 127 goals while only allowing 12 goals. Team members include: Andrew Anderson, Tufik Assad, Edmund Booth, Joey Boyd, Jack Eubank, John Eubank, Matthew Farmer, Bennett Ford, Will Hudson, Austin Jackson, Andrew Lehn, Joey Matsinger, Chris Mullins, Lee Pollard, Zach Pollard, Morgan Purvis, Alex Savage and Aaron Scogin.