Governor, Legislature Honor Campbellsville Volleyball National Champs
February 19th, 2010Representative Bam Carney (L), Governor Steve Beshear, and the Campbellsville University volleyball team
Story provided by Campbellsville University. See original story with additional photos.
FRANKFORT, KY - Campbellsville University’s 2009 Lady Tiger volleyball team continued to celebrate its National Christian College Athletic Association National Championship with a visit to the Capitol on Wednesday, February 17.
“You’ve made your university, community and the Commonwealth very proud,” Governor Steve Beshear told the Campbellsville team as they gathered for a photo in the Capitol.
After meeting with Beshear the team was presented to and honored by both legislative houses. Rep. Bam Carney (R-Campbellsville) presented the team in the House, while Sen. Ken Winters (R-Murray), former CU president, did the honor in the Senate on behalf of Sen. Jimmy Higdon (R-Lebanon).
“It was a good day. I don’t know if the girls knew exactly what to expect,” said Randy LeBleu, head coach of the 2009 CU Lady Tigers. “It was a great opportunity to showcase the sport of volleyball, and it was good to see the senators and representatives not from our area go out of their way to recognize us and shake our hands. Being on the floor of both the Senate and House was a great experience.”
Though unable to make the trip, Campbellsville President Dr. Michael V. Carter was grateful for the state’s recognition and proud of the team’s experience.
“We are all very proud of the Campbellsville University national champion volleyball team. The recognitions of the team by Governor Steve Beshear, Representative Bam Carney and the Kentucky House of Representatives, and State Senators Jimmy Higdon and Dr. Ken Winters and the Kentucky State Senate, are noteworthy experiences for the members of the Lady Tigers volleyball team and coaching staff,” Carter said. “We appreciate the support by our state officials for Campbellsville University and our student-athletes.”
In the Senate, the Lady Tigers were brought to the floor by Winters, who served as Campbellsville’s president from 1988-1999.
“I really am honored to have been allowed to do it. Sen. Higdon, knowing my connection to the university, yielded to me to make the award,” Winters said. “Many years of my life were spent there with the school. I’m proud of this team effort and our first national championship. It was a real exciting time. I’m very, very proud of the team, as I am of Campbellsville University as a whole.”
Higdon said it brought satisfaction to see Winters make the presentation.
“You could tell he was bubbling over with joy today when he made the presentation,” Higdon said. “Out of respect for him and his deep love for the university, I wanted to present this opportunity to him. He’s so proud of Campbellsville University, and so am I…. It was a thrill to have a national champion visit us today.”
Carney presented the team in the House and was present for photos in the House chambers and with Beshear.
“We were honored to have them in Frankfort to celebrate a milestone for the university. It’s a very impressive group of young ladies, and it was a joy to have them there,” said Carney, who received his teaching certificate from CU. “It was an honor and privilege on my part, being from Campbellsville, to share their accomplishments with the other representatives across the state. It’s a historic moment for our community and the school.”
John Chowning, Campbellsville University’s vice president for church and external relations and executive assistant to the president, worked with the governor’s office, the offices of Sen. Higdon and Rep. Carney and CU Athletic Director Rusty Hollingsworth to organize the event.
Campbellsville captured the NCCAA Division I Championship on Dec. 5, 2009 in Kissimmee, Fla., and completed the season with a school record 38 wins.



