MORRISVILLE, N.Y. – The Kiwanis Club of Utica held its 37^th annual recognition banquet honoring local student-athletes from six colleges and universities at Club Monarch in Yorkville. Of those honored were SUNY Morrisville senior's Callie Lafontaine (Chaumont, N.Y.) and Jalyn Moorehead (Rochester, N.Y.).

SUNY Morrisville athletics selected both student-athletes for their excellence in their sport, in the classroom and within the community.

"It is always an honor to attend this event," Director of Athletics, Matt Grawrock said, "being surrounded by so many exceptional athletes is a reminder of what's good about college athletics."

"Our award winners were no different this year. Both Callie and Jalyn have had distinguished Morrisville careers, and have represented us very well in so many different situations.

"It was an honor to see them receive accolades they clearly deserve. I firmly believe recognition like this is a testament to the hard work that all of our student-athletes, coaches, and staff put in to make this place the best it can be.

"I'm grateful to the Kiwanis Club of Utica for their continuing invitations, and their recognition of our student-athletes and athletic programs."

Lafontaine transferred to SUNY Morrisville from Cazenovia College after her freshman season, and over the course of three years, has excelled on the field in two-sports while serving as a role model to fellow student-athletes with her academic prowess in the classroom.

Across three seasons as a member of the women's soccer program, Lafontaine led the Mustangs in scoring, posting 62 points behind 28 goals and six assists across her career in the black and white. Earning All-Conference honors as a sophomore, her success also carried over to the softball field where she earned All-Conference accolades as a center fielder.

The Chaumont, N.Y. native has excelled in her academic pursuits as well, earning North Atlantic Conference All-Academic Team honors, induction into Chi Alpha Sigma National Honor Society for Student-Athletes, College Sports Communicators Academic All-District accolades for both sports, as well as SUNYAC Commissioner's List academic honors.

"Callie is everything a coach could ask for in a player at this level," head softball coach Samantha Guillaume said. "She brings dedication and heart to the game that are hard to beat."

"Above all, Callie puts others before herself at all costs, making her an ideal teammate. We are elated she has received the recognition she deserves."

Moorehead transferred to SUNY Morrisville from Jamestown Community College and immediately made an impact in the men's basketball program the moment he stepped on the court.

Guiding Morrisville to back-to-back appearances in the SUNYAC Championship Tournament, Moorehead averaged 11.0 points across his career at guard, while proving to be as effective on the defensive end of the court with 54 steals and 112 total rebounds.

The spark Moorehead created in the Mustangs game led to All-Conference accolades this past season from the SUNYAC as a third team honoree after leading the team in scoring this year.

Off the court, the Rochester, N.Y. native is a role model for fellow student-athletes, earning Dean's List accolades each semester, while also having involvement across campus in other departments and areas such as Admissions and Campus Activities.

"It was a privilege to see Jalyn and Callie honored among the small colleges in the area by the Kiwanis Club, and it was a great event to be a part of," head men's basketball coach Bryan Wickliffe said.  

"Jalyn is a perfect representation of what it means to be a Mustang student-athlete. I am honored to be a small part of his story and am excited to continue watching his journey grow moving forward."
 
This is the fifth consecutive year Morrisville athletics has had student-athletes honored by the Kiwanis Club in Utica.

SUNY Morrisville's curricula are enriched with applied learning and pave the way for opportunity at the Morrisville and Norwich campuses. The college is positioning itself to offer expanded graduate offerings, workforce programming and microcredentials. Future development of industry and educational partnerships will increase student success and response to student demand and market. For more information about SUNY Morrisville, visit www.morrisville.edu.
 
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