By Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
FRANKLIN, Tenn. – It was a crowded house at the Franklin Marriott Cool Springs on Wednesday night as high school and college football coaches, student-athletes, administrators and their families gathered for the annual National Football Foundation Middle Tennessee Chapter awards banquet.
The first order of business on the night was honoring the scholar athletes and Tennessee Tech's Adam Swayze was among the honorees. And as he walked across the stage, receiving the University Scholar-Athlete honor from Ronnie Carter, former pro quarterback Kelly Holcomb, Bernard Wilson and Heisman Trophy winner and Tennessee Titans legend Eddie George, it was a special night for the Tech senior.
"Adam is a special young man," said Tennessee Tech head coach Dewayne Alexander. "He was a leader on and off the field for the Golden Eagle football team. He epitomizes what it means to be a student-athlete. Adam is a service leader and a difference maker."
A two-year letterman for the Golden Eagles, Swayze recently received his degree in pre-veterinary medicine from the University in December, graduating with a 3.75 GPA. During his time at Tech, Swayze has served as the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee president, was a representative on the Ohio Valley Conference's SAAC chapter, as well as an acting member in the TTU Pre-Vet Club, Delta Tau Alpha honor society and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
The defensive back from Spring Hill, Tenn., had a solid year on the Golden Eagle defense, recording 35 total tackles – 18 solo and 17 assisted – while also intercepting two passes.
Also honored from the collegiate ranks by the Middle Tennessee chapter was Jack McDonald (Austin Peay), Tyler Tate (Cumberland), Isiah Upton (Middle Tennessee), Justin Brown (Tennessee State), Micah Maes (University of the South) and Cody Markel (Vanderbilt). Markel also received the C.R. Bickerstaff/Bill Pace University Scholar-Athlete Award.
In a sentimental moment during the evening, the Bonnie Sloan Courage Award was presented to Tennessee State's Christion Abercrombie for his efforts in recovery following a traumatic brain injury. Tech's Josh Poplar was the recipient of the award last year.
Long-time official David Patton received the chapter's Art Demmas Outstanding Official Award, legendary Tennessean sports writer Larry Taft and Eddie George received the Roy Kramer Contribution to Football Award, and legendary Cumberland baseball coach and athletics director Woody Hunt was honored with the Fred Russell Distinguished American Award.
Photo | Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
