By: by Emily Diekelmann
KENNESAW, Ga. - The Kennesaw State Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is proud to announce that the fourth annual Dr. Dave Waples Total Person Award winner is cross country and track athlete Mackenzie Howe. Given to an upperclassman, the award is handed out annually at the SAAC All-Athlete Banquet.
“Getting this award was the ultimate send off for me to end my running career at Kennesaw State,” Howe said. “It was a great feeling knowing that people were recognizing me throughout the years. Coach McGarey, Sims and Wakeman should all be included in this award because they all helped mold me into the runner I am today. I am extremely honored but know a big reason I got this award was because of the coaches I had.”
Having already cemented her status as one of the top female distance athletes in Kennesaw State history, Howe can now add this to her collection. With a laundry list of achievements, she was given the honor for her endeavors academically, in the community and in her sport.
Howe has received 14 All-Conference selections, 14 times Atlantic Sun Athlete of the Week, seen in “Faces in the Crowd” in Sports Illustrated in 2009 and the current holder of six school records and two conference. She graduated last week with a 3.4 gpa and multiple dean’s list selections and is active with the area Humane Society.
Three main criteria go into the selection of the award. Athletic ability and achievement, academic achievement and character, leadership and activities help the selection committee to decide what athlete receives the award each year.
“We believe that this award has become the most prestigious award that a student athlete can receive,” Assistant Athletic Director for External Affairs George Olney said. “It is built on the mission statement of accomplishments on the field, in the classroom and in the community.”
Dr. Dave Waples Total Person Award Recipients
2010-11 | Mackenzie Howe, Cross Country/Track
2009-10 | Ginny Frederick, Volleyball
2008-09 | Katie Martin, Women’s Basketball
2007-08 | Beth Meadors, Women’s Soccer
