MONTICELLO, Ark. - The University of Arkansas at Monticello Athletics Department announced Jimmy Sledge, the voice of the Boll Weevils and Cotton Blossoms, as the 2025 recipient of the Spirit Award, presented annually at the Athletics Hall of Fame Banquet.
Introduced in 2006, the UAM Spirit Award is presented to individuals who demonstrate exceptional support and unwavering dedication to the University of Arkansas at Monticello's athletic programs. This honor recognizes those who go above and beyond for our student-athletes, teams, and department. The recipient embodies the heart and soul of UAM Athletics - through every win, every loss, every rain delay, and every nail-biting moment, they are there. They truly bleed green and white.
Sledge, a 1983 graduate of UAM, began broadcasting for UAM Athletics in 2000 as the radio voice of the Boll Weevils and Cotton Blossoms. He provides play-by-play and color commentary for Boll Weevil football, baseball, and basketball, as well as Blossom basketball and softball.
His work extends beyond game day. Prior to every Boll Weevil football game, Sledge interviews Head Coach Hud Jackson to preview the upcoming match-up. After each game, regardless of the sport, he conducts in-depth postgame interviews with coaches, capturing their perspectives on both wins and losses, as well as game highlights.
Most recently, Sledge provided game day and play-by-play coverage for the Weevils Baseball team during their 2025 NCAA Postseason appearance in Mankato, Minnesota.
"We are truly honored that Jimmy Sledge is going to be the spirit award winner this year for athletics," said Athletic Director Hud Jackson. "Jimmy has been a true supporter of our athletic department, making many sacrifices to bring the Weevils and Blossoms to the living rooms of many UAM fans across the country. Jimmy is a friend, and he is very passionate about athletics at our great university."
Sledge has made a profound and enduring impact on UAM Athletics, its student-athletes, and the community. In recognition of his unwavering dedication to the university, its athletic programs, and each student-athlete, the UAM Athletics Department is honored to present him with this year's Spirit Award.
Jimmy Sledge will receive the Spirit Award on October 2 at 6:00 p.m. during the 2025 Hall of Fame Banquet held in the University Center Green Room.
Previous UAM Athletics Hall of Fame Spirit Award Recipients
2024 - Shellye Byrd
2023 - Larry and Shirley Fisackerly
2022 - Jeremy Woodall
2021 - Tim and Roxanne Smith
2020 - Gay and Grant Pace
2019 - Jim Brewer
2018 - Tommy Maxwell
2017 - Becky and Keith Phillips
2016 - Larry Smith
2015 - Walter Godwin
2014 - Gene Norton
2013 - Robert Leonard
2012 - George Harris
2011 - Buddy Carson
2010 - Charlie Baker
2009 - Katy and Don Hartley
2008 - Reginald Glover
2007 - Tommy Matthews
2006 - Bob Newman
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