By: by Mark Toma
KENNESAW, Ga. – The Kennesaw State Department of Intercollegiate Athletics has announced that track and field star Jerome McKinzie has been named the 2009-10 Male Athlete of the Year in a statement released on Friday afternoon.
"Being selected as the Male Athlete of the Year is a great honor to have, and one that I’ve always aspired to,” said McKinzie. “When I think back about all of the great athletes that have won this award before me, it really humbles me to be in their company.”
McKinzie made a name for himself on the national stage when he competed at the NCAA Indoor Track and Field National Championship, where he finished 17th in the high jump. Last week, he qualified for the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Ore. after clearing a height of 2.11 meters at the East Preliminary Round in Greensboro, N.C.
“I was just focused on performing at the highest level that I could all year long and this kind of took care of itself," added McKinzie.
McKinzie swept the Atlantic Sun Conference high jump crowns, winning the titles at both the indoor and outdoor championships. The Marietta, Ga. native became the first four-time event winner in the history of the A-Sun when he set the indoor record with a jump of 2.09 meters.
"Jerome is very deserving of this honor,” said head coach Dr. Don McGarey. “He is a national caliber athlete who brings great exposure to our program. This is a great accomplishment for him, especially under the conditions in which he trains. I am very proud of him.”
The senior, who has one outdoor season of eligibility remaining, won his third outdoor high jump title with a jump of 2.15 meters, reclaiming the A-Sun championship after winning the conference crown in 2007 and 2008 before redshirting last season.
McKinzie is the third track and field athlete to be recognized as the Male Athlete of the Year. He joins teammate Joshua McNair who received the award in 2007-08 and Jason Waters who claimed the honor for the 2005-06 season.
