The annual ULM Athletic Foundation Kickoff event recognized Bernard Heflin and Carl Thameling Thursday at Fant-Ewing Coliseum.

Heflin received the Scogin Award for extraordinary service to athletics and the Athletic Foundation in his capacity as the longstanding athletic director for ULM.

The event named Thameling as the 2015 Faculty Award Winner.

Over 500 gathered to participate in the event. Over 20 restaraunts made an appearance to help cater to the crowd. The event included several guest speakers including head football coach Todd Berry.

He discussed more than just sports at the event.

“I spent more time on the academic side…I think the athletic sponsors are excited about this season and rightfully so…but I spent more time talking about these seniors, most of whom are working on their masters, and that’s a great thing,” Berry said.

Keith Richards, reigning Sun Belt Conference Men’s Basketball Coach of the Year, President Nick Bruno, athletic director Brian Wickstrom and Warhawk defensive lineman Gerrand Johnson also spoke at the event.

“It’s a great year to be a Warhawk. We’ve got a great athletic director, and a senior class that’s been together for five years. This is going to be the year of the Warhawk. Basketball kicked it off and we’re going to finish it,” Johnson said.