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Michael Hawkins (Francis Marioin University) – 25-Year Award
by Mike Peacock, BSN Sports
Hawkins, his wife, son, and daughter at the 2012 ceremony naming the
Griffin Athletic Complex press box in his honor.
Michael Hawkins is a tried and true Patriot.
Those in the sports information profession around the South Atlantic Region know Francis Marion University’s Michael Hawkins well. Whether through working with him directly, conversing with him on the phone or via e-mail, serving on a committee, or just observing, other sports information professionals know they are dealing with the consummate professional in Hawkins.
It is very fitting that CoSIDA is honoring Hawkins in 2018 for his over 25 years of meritorious service to the profession and to the organization. The well-deserved honor is only fitting for the outstanding attributes Michael brings to work with him each and every day. Hawkins is the epitome of a sports information professional who truly loves his job, his profession and leaves no doubt he is a true Francis Marion Patriot.
Long-time colleague from nearby Wingate University, David Sherwood, entered the profession around the same time as Hawkins and the two have worked together numerous times over the years with their teams competing against each other in both regular season and post-season events.
“Michael Hawkins has found the life balance between work, family and faith,” Sherwood says. “I am amazed at what he has accomplished during his time at Francis Marion, both professionally and personally. Opposing SIDs always knew when Michael was hosting us that everything would be smooth sailing. I am honored God decided Michael and I would share a part of life’s journey on similar paths.”
Michael was born on the West Coast but swapped coasts as a child, moving to Florence, South Carolina, and has resided in the Pee Dee region ever since. Now 55, Hawkins graduated at Francis Marion in 1985 after serving for four years as a student-assistant SID. He was immediately hired by the University as Sports Information Director and as a news writer in the University’s Office of Communications Services. He held that dual role for 21 years until he became FMU’s Associate Athletic Director for Communication Services in 2006. Like so many fellow SIDs, Hawkins has been primarily a one-man shop and has done so to an amazing level.
Hawkins and his lovely wife Kim have raised two outstanding children, both of whom were NCAA soccer student-athletes - one at The Citadel (Leah) and the other at Winthrop University (Dakota). Dakota received one of the two CoSIDA Member-Child Scholarships for 2014. Michael and Kim are now proud grandparents of twin boys.
Hawkins is widely known for his attention to detail and his true love for Francis Marion University. Bob Stoner, retired SID at Lander University and a fellow Peach Belt Conference colleague, is another in the profession who has formed a lasting bond with Hawkins.
“In my 30 years of knowing him, you won't find a collegiate SID who loves his school more than Michael Hawkins,” Stoner says. “An FMU graduate and all-around great guy, Michael has worked tirelessly as a one-man show for more than three decades promoting the FMU Athletic program, while, along with his wife Kim, raising two wonderful children.”
“Our working relationship began 30 years ago when our schools (mine was Lander) were members of NAIA District 6 before entering into the NCAA Division II ranks,” Stoner says. “He was a silent mentor to me as I tried to mimic a lot of what he was doing at FMU.
“Also, he was a great go-to person for advice. Michael was instrumental in the formation and development of the Peach Belt Conference from the sports information side. His ideas were always for the betterment of both the schools and the fledgling conference. He is a strong proponent of what is right and fair in college athletics, is one of those SIDs you couldn’t wait for tournament time so you can catch up and have fun! He is a master of how to pitch a team or player to the media.”
Hawkins has worked at numerous Peach Belt Conference and NCAA tournament events in various sports, serving as host for a number of those. In the fall of 2013, Hawkins worked at the NCAA Division II Men’s and Women’s Soccer Championships. A seemingly tireless worker, Hawkins’ attention to detail and knowledge of the sports he was working always helped to provide a top-notch experience for coaches, colleagues, student-athletes and fans. His tenacity and a pretty nice jump shot were also highlights at the annual PBC SID basketball game held during the conference tournament week.
“I have been working with Michael in nearly all my 23 years in this profession, including the last 18 at the Peach Belt Conference,” noted Peach Belt Assistant Commissioner for Strategic Communications Ken Gerlinger. “There is nobody I have come across who is more professional, courteous or helpful. He exemplifies all that our profession should be about and is a tremendous advocate not only for his student-athletes at Francis Marion, but for sports information directors and communication professionals. I consider Michael to be not only one of the best SIDs I have ever worked with, but also a great friend. I am very happy to see him get this recognition.”
Early in his career, Hawkins served as a member of the statistical crew at the 1989, 1990, 1991 and 1992 NAIA Men's Basketball National Tournaments in Kansas City, Mo., and was director of information for women’s basketball for NAIA District Six in the late 1980s.
In a fitting 2012 tribute, the press box at the new Francis Marion Griffin Athletic Complex was named after him. The opening of that new facility was the realization of a long-time dream for Hawkins and the naming of the press box was very appropriate and the ultimate honor for him after many years of braving the elements for outdoor events.
Additionally, Francis Marion, and Hawkins, were honored with the inaugural Peach Belt Conference SID Office of the Year award for the 2013-14 school year.
Hawkins most recently was inducted into the Florence Area Athletic Hall of Fame in 2017. He loves his community and has long been involved in various organizations in Florence. He is currently co-chairman of the Racial Bridging Unit of the Helping Florence Flourish organization.