CORTLAND, N.Y. - The State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) is proud to announce its 2019-20 Winter Scholar Athlete of the Year honorees. During each season, the conference recognizes student-athletes for their efforts in their sport, as well as their academics. Out of hundreds of winter 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 originated in 2016-17.
Kevin Mackin - Men's Basketball, Oneonta
Mackin led Oneonta in scoring for a third straight year posting a collegiate best 472 points for an average of 17.5 points per game. He finished fifth in the SUNYAC in scoring and his total points this season is 10th best all-time in a single year at Oneonta. Mackin also led the conference in three-point baskets, connecting on 108 shots from behind the arc, which is the single season record at Oneonta. The business economics major holds a 3.72 GPA and was a CoSIDA Academic All-American District 3 first team slection. He finished his collegiate career with a program record 318 three-pointers and 1,387 points which is fourth in Oneonta prgram history. Mackin was selected as a first team All SUNYAC player as well as a third team All-East Region player.
Aaron Mackay - Men's Ice Hokcey, Geneseo
Mackay was a brick wall in net all season for the Geneseo Knights, going 13-2-1 with a 1.95 goals against average ranking third in the SUNYAC and a .918 save percentage which was fifth in the league. The economics and political science double-major held a 3.80 GPA while being named the SUNYAC Co-Goaltender of the Year and the SUNYAC Tournament MVP, securing Geneseo's third straight SUNYAC championship with 20 or more saves in both SUNYAC playoff games.
Sean McAneny - Men's Track & Field, Geneseo
The senior from Greenville, N.Y., McAneny was an impact runner for Geneseo all season and did not disappoint at the SUNYAC championships finishing first in the 3000 meter (8:46.47) and led the Knights' distance medley relay to first (10:30.79). This season he also had the fifth fastest time in program history in the 3000 meter (8:26.25) at the David Hemery Valentine Invitational. The English major held a 3.95 GPA while being named first team All-Conference.
Matt Mattera - Men's Swimming & Diving, Geneseo
The Long Island native from Deer Park was a consistant swimmer for the Geneseo Knights his senior year who finished with second team All-Conference recognition and was honored with the James Fulton Award. This award is given to a senior male and female swimmer/diver who fulfills academic excellence and athletic dominance. At the SUNYAC championships in Buffalo, Mattera finished second in the 400 individual medley (16:35.24), second in the 500 freestyle (4:42.22) and third in the 1650 freestyle (16:35.24). He finshed his collegiate career as a four-time All SUNYAC swimmer.
