SYRACUSE, N.Y. - The SUNYAC honors Cortland's Mat Bruno as this year's Baseball Scholar Athlete of the Year as nominated and voted on by the conference sports information directors. 

Bruno is pursuing his graduate degree in physical education leadership after earing an undergraduate degree in physical education. He maintains a 3.81 in his grad program and had an overall GPA of 3.45 during undergrad. Bruo was an ABCA first team All-Region outfielder and a second team All-SUNYAC in 2023. He batted .367 with nine homers, 13 doubles, 49 RBI, 48 runs, 20 walks and 12 steals. Bruno became Cortland's career leader with 25 homers.

During each season, the conference honors student-athletes for their efforts in their sport, as well as their academics. Out of hundreds of spring athletes, one athlete from each sport was selected for this distinction. In order to be eligible for the SUNYAC Scholar Athlete of the Year award student-athletes must prove both academic and athletic excellence by obtaining a minimum 3.30 overall GPA, be a starter or significant reserve for their team, and be at least a sophomore. The SUNYAC Scholar Athlete Award began in 2016-17.