Wingate’s Jackson, Carson-Newman’s Manis Named SAC Golf Scholar-Athletes of the Year

ROCK HILL, S.C. - Wingate senior Braden Jackson and Carson-Newman junior Melanie Manis - a pair of standout student-athletes in the classroom and on the course - have been named the 2012 SAC Golf Scholar-Athletes of the Year, the conference announced on Friday.

The awards, which recognize a combination of academic achievement, athletic excellence, service and leadership, are voted on by the league's Faculty Athletic Representatives.

Jackson, a four-year letterwinner for the Bulldog men's golf program, was also the SAC Men's Golf Scholar-Athlete of the Year in 2010. In nine events this season, he has compiled an average round score of 75.2.

His best performance of the year came in October at the Myrtle Beach Intercollegiate, where the Dallas, N.C., native finished tied for fifth at two under for the tournament.

In the classroom, Jackson carries a 3.94 GPA studying accounting. He has been named to the SAC Commissioner's Honor Roll each year at Wingate and is a six-time selection to the Wingate President's List. He also named a WU Junior Marshal -- an award which recognizes students in the top-10 percent of their class - and an ESPN the Magazine Academic All-District selection in 2010.

Jackson also serves his community by volunteering with multiple local organization, including Habitat for Humanity and the United Way. In addition, he puts his academic specialization to work by volunteering at the Union County Department of Social Services, helping low income families and the elderly fill out tax returns.

"Braden has established himself as a team role model both in academics and athletics," said Dr. Jerry Surratt, Jackson's former coach at Wingate. "The total pattern of excellence he has established speaks for itself."

Manis, meanwhile, has been a key factor in keeping Carson-Newman ranked in the nation's top 25 for much of the season. She has finished in the top 10 at two events this season, including a third-place performance at the Rendleman Invitational.

Manis is a standout student, boasting a 3.78 GPA as a biology major. She is on pace to graduate a year early from C-N, and will begin pharmacy school at the University of Tennessee next fall.

The Louisville, Tenn., native was named an Academic All-American by the GCAA following her freshman season, and has been selected to the Carson-Newman Dean's List every semester she's been on campus.

Manis is an active presence in her local community as well. Her numerous volunteer efforts have included assisting with Extreme Makeover Home Edition in Knoxville, organizing the First Baptist Church of Jefferson City Fall Festival, serving as a Young Live leader, reading to students at Dandridge Elementary School and helping run Operation Christmas Child efforts on campus.

In addition, Manis is an active member of the Carson-Newman Student-Athlete Advisory Committee's efforts with the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

"Melanie is the model student-athlete that every coach would love to have on their team," said C-N head women's golf coach Mandy Moore. "Her hard work and determination have allowed her to excel in the classroom, on the golf course and in extracurricular activities."