BATON ROUGE — LSU softball All-American Britni Sneed has been named the first winner of the John J. Langan Memorial Award, established by the family of former Tiger football player John Langan.
The award is given to an LSU senior who “graduated with qualities, achievements and strength of character — academically, athletically and socially — that were most similar to those of John Langan.” Sneed was selected from a pool of graduating seniors in LSU’s 20 varsity sports and she will receive the award Sunday night at the Tiger Athletic Foundation’s Annual Recognition Reception.
In addition to the award, Sneed will also receive an official letter of recognition from former Tiger head coach and athletic director Paul Dietzel that describes Langan’s character and accomplishments.
Sneed, a semifinalist for Collegiate Player of the Year honors in 2002, was a three-time All-American for the Tiger softball team. She was the 2002 SEC Pitcher of the Year as a senior and was voted the 2001 SEC Player of the Year while being selected MVP of the SEC Tournament two years in a row.
The John J. Langan Memorial Award was established in honor of the late John Langan, a three-year football letterman at LSU from 1957-59 and the only player to start for both the Chinese Bandits and the Go Team on the 1958 national champions. Despite being one of the Southeastern Conference’s smallest linemen, playing at 165 pounds, he became an integral part of the LSU team through determination and hard work.
“John, soft-spoken, humble and one who took pride in playing fair, was well liked by his teammates,” said Dietzel. “He had heart and a huge will to win. He railed at the thought of being subdued by his opponent, driven by an outsized desire to prevail. He embodied indomitability. This unrelenting drive led to his bone crushing blocking and smashing tackling, which along with his unselfish team play inspired his teammates greatly.”
Following his athletic career, Langan graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and went on to achieve the rank of Captain as a Naval Aviator, ultimately commanding a Patrol Squadron. After leaving active duty, Langan continued his love for flying by embarking on a career as an airline pilot.
The Tiger Athletic Foundation Annual Recognition Reception will be held Sunday night at the new Cox Communications Academic Center for Student-Athletes.