Henderson State University Athletics

A 2007 graduate of Henderson State and a Reddie Baseball alum, Cody Culp defines the spirit of the Willie Tate Meritorious Humanitarian Award. Culp, who played catcher for the Reddies from 2002-2005, battled numerous injuries during his career but earned the ultimate respect of his teammates through his grit, determination and commitment to the team. While still a student at Henderson in 2003, Culp enlisted as a reserve in the Army National Guard. When his third shoulder surgery sidelined him for the spring 2005 season, Culp went to active duty and was deployed to Iraq in December of 2004. He served three months as an infantry soldier, 240 Bravo Gunner before returning to the Reddies for the 2005 season and ultimately playing in 15 games.

Following his graduation from Henderson, Culp enlisted in officer training in Fort Sill, Oklahoma. After completing Ranger School, he was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division and was deployed to Afghanistan on December 2, 2010. While on patrol, Culp’s Humvee ran over an IED and he suffered severe damage to his legs. Upon his return home, Culp spent five years in a wheelchair before eventually undergoing below the knee amputation on his right leg. His titanium prosthetic, along with a special brace for his left leg, allowed him to stand and walk again. He retired from the Army as a Captain in 2011. Despite all of the hardships of war and the suffering he experienced, Culp maintained the same infectious spirit he displayed to his teammates as a member of the baseball team at Henderson State. He is now a board member of the Cal Ripken Youth Baseball League in his hometown of Fordyce, Arkansas and is a youth group leader at Fordyce’s Zion Baptist Church.