Conference lauds Owl athletes
The North Atlantic Conference announced postseason awards for cross country and volleyball last week and four University of Maine at Presque Isle athletes were recognized.
Sully Jackson, a senior from Wilton, was voted as the Senior Scholar Athlete of the Year in cross country. He was cited for excelling academically and athletically throughout his career.
Jackson is an Environmental Studies major who has presented during UMPI’s University Day on carbon sequestration relative to earning carbon credits. In the summer of 2016, he spent time in Florida on a mission trip and worked on environmental issues including Florida’s alternative energy policy, farming techniques, jungle encroachment on less advantaged neighborhoods, and studied the impacts of orange and banana epidemics.
Jackson also works with a professor on campus to assess nitrogen levels in soils and the relating yIelds and viability of potatoes for marketing implications.
During cross country competitions this fall, he has earned four top-25 finishes in his races and as a result also was named to the NAC All-Conference Second Team.
Saul Nunez, a junior from Mapleton, and Elise Gudde, a sophomore from Caribou, each earned honors on the NAC Sportsmanship Team. This award is reserved for individuals who have distinguished themselves through demonstrated acts of sportsmanship and ethical behavior.
For volleyball, Abby Jewett, a senior from Bass Harbor, took home multiple honors.
The Owls lone senior, Jewett was selected as an All-Conference Second Team player. She led UMPI in kills with 291 and averaged 2.77 kills per set, ranking in the top five in the NAC in both categories. Jewett also collected 373 digs on the season, which ranked her second in the conference.
Jewett was also selected to the Sportsmanship Team.
