SYRACUSE, N.Y. - The SUNYAC selects Cortland's Jean-Andre Sassine as this year's Men's Outdoor Track and Field Scholar Athlete of the Year as nominated and voted on by the conference sports information directors. 

Sassine earned All-Niagara Region in the triple jump both outdoors and indoors. He was also All-AARTFC (4th place) in triple jump. He was recently named the Men's Outdoor Track and Field SUNY Scholar Athlete of the Year and was the SUNY Scholar Athlete of the Year for men's indoor track and field in the winter. Sassine is a senior communication studies major with a 3.89 overall GPA.

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.