DENVER - New Mexico State University softball student-athlete Kandis Jones and University of Idaho Track and Field student-athlete Eugenio Mannucci have been named the 2010-11 Western Athletic Conference Stan Bates Award winners. Named in honor of former WAC Commissioner Stan Bates, the annual award is given to the WAC's top male and female scholar-athletes and recognizes the recipients' athletic, academic and community accomplishments. The awards include a $2,000 postgraduate scholarship.
Jones, a native of La Mirada, California, earned a degree in Community Health in May and graduated with the highest GPA for the major with a 3.894. She is a four-time Academic All-WAC honoree and also a 2011 first-team CoSIDA Academic All-American. The Faculty Athletic Council at New Mexico State University recognized Jones as the outstanding female scholar-athlete for 2011.
In competition, Jones broke numerous career and single season records during her time at New Mexico State. She is the all-time record holder in runs scored with 175 and hits with 82 in a season and 260 in her career. In 2011, Jones was the honored with the National Strength and Conditioning All-American Award.
In addition to her stellar academics, Jones has volunteered with many children's after-school programs and the United Blood Services Blood Drive. For the past three years she has been involved with the "Dress a Child" organization where she helps young children in need select clothing. Jones also volunteers with softball camps to help younger players learn the game and improve their skills.
"We have a philosophy in Aggie Softball that we will 'be the change we want to see on campus'," said Aggie Softball coach, Kathy Rodolph. "Kandis Jones embraced that philosophy, lived it and encouraged others to do the same on campus. Our campus, our community and our program are in a far better place now with the commitment and leadership of Kandis Jones."
Mannucci, from Viterbo, Italy, earned his degree in Animal and Vet Science with a Pre-Veterinary option. Since leaving Italy for Moscow, Idaho, Mannucci has succeeded academically and athletically. He earned a 3.76 GPA and was awarded the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Outstanding Pre-Veterinary Senior of the Year Award. He is a four-time Academic All-WAC honoree and was named CoSIDA All-District VIII. The University of Idaho awarded Mannucci with the Gerry Hagedorn Award for being the top overall student-athlete in track and field.
In addition to his achievements in the classroom, Mannucci has also devoted himself to his community. He was instrumental in getting student-athlete participation in multiple community outreach events including Trick or Treat for Kids, Christmas for Kids, and Palouse Cares, an annual food drive. He also helped as a coach at a free track and field camp for elementary aged students.
During his athletic career at the University of Idaho, Mannucci's success in the shot put resulted in first-team all-WAC selections in 2009, 2010 and 2011 and a second-team All-America selection by the track and field coaches association. His career included NCAA Championship appearances in 2010 (21st place finish) and 2011 (15th). His performance led him to being ranked 16th in the NCAA and 11th in the West Region as a senior. Mannucci finished his career at Idaho ranked sixth all-time at Idaho in the shot put with a personal best of 60' 5.75". In Italy, Mannucci was named Italy's top ranked shot-putter in 2009, 2010, and 2011.
"I have always been amazed by Eugenio's level of enthusiasm for any work he gets involved with, and he impresses people quite easily," stated Vandals track and field coach Julie Taylor.
Mannucci will attend Veterinarian school this fall at Oregon State University.
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