Browder recognized as SAC Scholar Athlete of the Year

VIDEO: Jack Browder Interview

ROCK HILL, S.C. – Carson-Newman men's basketball sophomore forward Jack Browder (Kingsport, Tenn.) has been named the South Atlantic Conference's Scholar Athlete of the Year, the league announced Friday morning.

Browder becomes the seventh C-N men's basketball player to win the award, and the first since Sawyer Williams was lauded at the conclusion of the 2016-17 season.  Carson-Newman's seven scholar athlete honorees are the most in league history. Mars Hill and Newberry have both had five players recognized. 

The South Atlantic Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Year award is presented annually to one student-athlete in each of the Conference's championship sports and is voted on by the SAC's Faculty Athletic Representatives Committee. The winners are selected based on their achievements in academics, athletics, service, and leadership.

"Growing up, my mom really instilled in me the importance of education," Browder said. "I've continued to carry that over through college and always try my best both in the classroom and on the basketball court."

The Kingsport, Tennessee native holds a perfect 4.0 grade point average while studying business administration. Browder has collected a variety of academic accolades over his two seasons with the Eagles, as he is a two-time Carson-Newman Dean's List Member, a two-time Platinum Eagle Scholar, a two-time Hope Scholar, a two-time Presidential Scholar and a CSC Academic All-District team member.

"I am so happy for, and proud of Jack," head men's basketball coach Chuck Benson said. "What he has accomplished athletically and academically is impressive. This recognition is a testament to his commitment to being a true student athlete." 

Browder is the only player in the SAC to land among the top ten in both scoring and rebounding this season. He finished second in the league in rebounding with 8.1 boards per game and sixth in scoring with 18.5 points per game. Along the way, he collected 11 double doubles. He shot 48.3 percent from the field and 41.0 percent from three while canning 57 triples. Browder made a team-best 110 free throws at an 80.3 percent clip. Browder has scored in double-digits in all but two games this season, and entered the SAC tournament on a career-best 15-game streak scoring 10 or more. He topped 20 points on 14 occasions throughout the season and joined Shaun Jones as the only players since 1985 with more than 240 rebounds in a season. For his efforts, he was named the TSWA Player of the Week, an All-SAC selection, and an All-SAC tournament team member.

Off the court, Browder is extremely involved in his community. He volunteers with the First Broad Street United Methodist Church, the Funfest Family Basketball Experience, the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, and with Kingsport area middle school players for one-on-one skill building during the summer. Browder also takes on roles as a speaker at the Boys & Girls Club of Kingsport, a Leadership Council member for Carson-Newman's men's basketball program, a mentor for elementary school students in and around his hometown of Kingsport, and as a participant in Carson-Newman's annual Operation INASMUCH.

Men's Basketball Scholar-Athlete Finalists

Chase Rankin, Lincoln Memorial

Jack Browder, Carson-Newman

All-Time C-N Men's Basketball Scholar Athlete of the Year Winners

Sawyer Williams – 2016-17

Jesse McMurray – 2007-08

Jonathan Martin – 2004-05

Brad Woolsey – 2000-01

Collin Martin - 1998-99

Collin Martin - 1997-98