WILBURTON, Okla. – For the past 53 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 a student-athlete who will return to Eastern for his or her sophomore year.

Eastern sophomores Ashley Brown and Andrew Walling were selected for the 2021 Larry Stone Award on the basis of their overall contributions to the spirit of athletics and their demonstration of teamwork, determination, unselfishness and citizenship. Brayanna Polk and Josh Jones each received the Larry Stone Memorial Scholarship.

Brown is a softball player from Stuart, Okla. She graduated with a degree in life science and carried a 3.86 GPA during her time at Eastern. She was a vital contributor to the Lady Mountaineers on the field.

"Ashley truly represents Larry Stone's legacy by her selflessness and commitment to her team and teammates,” said Head Softball Coach Kendra Whisenhunt. “As the lone sophomore in the infield, she was able to use her experience and presence to lead by example.”

Walling is a baseball player from Longview, Wash. He graduated with a degree in business administration and earned a 3.65 GPA. While at Eastern, Walling was a member of the NJCAA Region 2 Champion Eastern baseball team and turned himself into a professional baseball prospect. Walling has committed to continue his academic and athletic career at Mississippi State University.

“I couldn't be more excited for Andrew,” said Head Baseball Coach Matt Parker. “He transferred to us from Oregon State University with a plan to become the best player possible. Not only did he build off of an already incredible on-field career, but he was an even more impressive person and teammate. Andrew is the embodiment of the Larry Stone Award.”

Polk is a women's basketball player from Del City, Okla. She maintained a 3.48 GPA for her freshman year as a health, physical education and recreation major while receiving multiple honors. Polk was named the NJCAA Region 2 Player of the Week and Second Team All-Region. She was a member of the NJCAA Region 2 Champion Eastern women’s basketball team. She will be receiving the Larry Stone Scholarship as she returns to Eastern next fall.

Jones is a men’s basketball player from Broken Bow, Okla. He maintained a 3.28 GPA for his freshman year as a general studies major. Jones was a vital contributor for the Mountaineers on the court in 2021. He will be receiving the Larry Stone Scholarship as he returns to Eastern next fall.