SUNYAC honors scholar athletes for the 2016-17 winter season
CORTLAND, N.Y.- The State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) is excited to announce the inaugural winners for Winter Scholar Athletes of the Year. Each season, on behalf of their institutions, the Sports Information Directors nominate and vote for athletes that display excellence in both the classroom and on the field of play. This season, nine individuals were selected from seven winter sports to receive this honor.
Eligibilty for this award includes an overall GPA of at least 3.30, being a starter or significant reserve on his or her team, and having a class standing of sophomore or higher.
Kyle Hall, Ice Hockey, Plattsburgh
Hall, a senior originally from Assiniboia, Saskatchewan, finished strong in his final season with the Cardinals. The economics major continued his prowess in the classroom, where his efforts have been rewarded with SUNYAC Elite 20, All-Academic Team, and Commissioner's List membership throughout his college career. On the ice, in a season that saw Plattsburgh win their twenty-third SUNYAC Ice Hockey title, Hall scored six goals and had eight assists. For his whole career, he finished with nineteen goals and thirty-one assists.
Nicky Bonura, Men's Basketball, Cortland
Bonura, a sophomore from Mount Kisco, had a great year as a Red Dragon. He continued to excel as a sport management major, maintaining an exceptional GPA while contributing to his team's efforts finishing fourth in the regular season. He played in twenty-five games this season and scored 14 points in a win against rival Ithaca and 13 points each in wins at Plattsburgh and home against Potsdam.
Dylan Balducci, Men's Basketball, New Paltz
Originally from Massapequa, Balducci had an excellent junior year on and off the basketball court. As a general business major, he has maintained a high GPA and was named to the SUNYAC Commissioner's list during the 2015-16 season. During the basketball season, Balducci averaged 12 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. The highlight of his season was connecting on six three-pointers in a December 6 game against Cortland.
Kit Small, Women's Basketball, New Paltz
Small, hailing from Slingerlands, finished off her career at New Paltz in tremendous fashion. In her senior season, she was able to continue her prowess as a computer science major while guiding her team to their second straight SUNYAC championship. The Hawks went on to compete in the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament before falling to UMASS-Dartmouth. Small finished her career with several top-ten records, including first overall in all-time points (1,334) and 617 rebounds (third all-time).
Kara Houppert, Women's Basketball, Geneseo
A native of Webster, Houppert's scholarly and athletic abilities were on full display during her senior season. As a special education major, Houppert was able to maintain an exceptional GPA throughout her college career. On the court, she helped Geneseo maintain a perfect record during the regular season and reach the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament. Her outstanding season garnered awards including D3hoops.com All-Region and First-Team All-SUNYAC.
Luke Holtzman, Men's Indoor Track & Field, Geneseo 
Holtzman, a sophomore from New Rochelle, had a great second year for the Knights. As a chemistry and mathmatics dual major, he had a near-perfect GPA. On the track, Holtzman made his presence known in the mile competition, finishing second at the SUNYAC championship. As a leg in Geneseo's distance medley relay, Holtzman earned All-America status for his second-place effort.
Marissa Cossaro, Women's Indoor Track & Field, Geneseo
Cossaro, a senior from East Northport, closed out her career with the Knights in tremendous fashion. As a mathematics major with a dual minor in Spanish and adolescent education, Cossaro consistently maintained an exceptionally high GPA throughout her college career. For her efforts on the track, she was named SUNYAC Indoor Track & Field Athlete of the Year, Outstanding Athlete of the conference championship meet, and earned All-America honors at the NCAA championships with an eighth-place finish in the 3,000 meter run.
Jeff Doser, Men's Swimming & Diving, Geneseo
Doser, a junior from Penfield, had a tremendous year both academically and in athletic competition. As a dual major in biology and mathematics, Doser maintained a tremendous GPA and was awarded induction into Phi Beta Kappa and the prestigious Goldwater scholarship. His excellence carried over to the pool, where Doser had numerous top ten finishes in the SUNYAC championship meet, including a tie for first in the 200 meter freestyle, second in the 50 meter freestyle, and second in the 100 meter freestyle. At the NCAA championships, Doser competed on five relays for Geneseo, setting a school record with his leg of the 800 meter freestyle relay.
Meghan Bartlett, Women's Swimming & Diving, Fredonia
Bartlett, a native of Johnstown, capped an accomplished career as a diver for Fredonia. The senior business management major excelled in the classroom throughout her college career. When it came to diving, Bartlett, a two-time SUNYAC Diver of the Year, was constantly at the top of the field. At the SUNYAC championship meet, she placed first in both the 1-meter and 3-meter dives and was named Diver of the Meet. At the NCAA championships, she was able to place fourth nationally in the 1-meter and third nationally in the 3-meter, adding two more All-American awards for a total of six overall.
