Deonte Mack Director of Sports Performance | Eastern Michigan Athletics Website
Deonte Mack Director of Sports Performance | Eastern Michigan Athletics Website
Eastern Michigan University (EMU) student-athletes Kyle Martin and Anna Grace McCullough have been named the recipients of the 2024 Mid-American Conference (MAC) Medal of Excellence Award. This annual award is given to one male and one female student-athlete from each of the 12 member institutions of the conference.
MAC Commissioner Dr. Jon A. Steinbrecher praised the awardees, stating, "The recipients of the Medal of Excellence have excelled in academics, athletics, and have shown remarkable service and leadership." He further added, "These individuals have achieved this honor through their commitment, resilience, and diligent effort."
To qualify for this recognition, student-athletes must participate at the varsity level in a conference-sponsored sport and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50. They must also demonstrate athletic excellence as well as leadership and service.
Kyle Martin, from Ypsilanti, Michigan, has been with EMU's men's track & field team for five years. He was awarded a Graduate Research Fellowship from the National Science Foundation earlier this year—the first EMU athlete to receive it—and will pursue his Ph.D. in natural resources at the University of Idaho this summer.
Martin's achievements extend beyond academics; he has served as sprints captain for three seasons and received six Academic All-MAC honors. He hosted his second annual "School of Green" event last summer aimed at educating local communities about local wildlife.
Anna Grace McCullough from Birmingham, Alabama completed her senior season with EMU's gymnastics team after recovering from an injury. She participated in eight meets during her final season with a standout performance at Bowling Green Quad-Meet.
McCullough was recognized as EMU Gymnastics Teammate of the Year and received the Julia Lombardi Leadership Award at EMU's 2023 Ypsi’s Award Show. She graduated with a degree in exercise science with a GPA of 3.88.
The MAC Medal of Excellence Award winners for other universities include Hunter Garretson (Akron), Decker Scheffler (Ball State), Logan Bell (Bowling Green), Scilla Benussi (Buffalo), Nicholas Dardas (Central Michigan), Josh Johnson (Kent State), Cam Kirk (Miami), Colin Summerhill (NIU), Xander Karagosian (Ohio), Pawit Sornlaksup (Toledo), Ben George (Western Michigan).
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