ATLANTA, Ga. (July 7, 2026) - The Collegiate Conference of the South (CCS) has announced nominees for the prestigious Man of the Year award. 

This award recognizes the top male student-athlete for their athletic, academic, service, and leadership involvement during the academic year.

Nominees for the Man of the Year Award



Neal Terry, Men’s Basketball/Track & Field, Belhaven University

Being a student athlete for Belhaven has changed my life. Before Belhaven, I felt like I wasn’t seen when I was playing my sports, and it felt like I had no support from my peers. I remember my senior night for basketball. The gym was packed, and they were calling everyone out. Everyone was cheering and shouting as everyone came out. I was the second to last name that was called. There was no eruption of cheers or anything like that. It was just my parents and my brother cheering as loudly as they could and the pitter patter of claps that asked, “Who is this?” They were courtesy claps. Nothing more. That was before Belhaven. Before my zero to hero story, and no, I’m not saying that performance determines value. Instead, I am saying that Belhaven made me feel seen. They gave me a chance. At Belhaven, I had a community. I knew when I stepped out there on our home court, I had an army on the court with me and an army in the stands. Win, lose, or draw, I had people who were behind me. That was completely foreign to me because it was something I didn’t have in high school, but Belhaven showed me what it was meant to be a community. There were so many people that reached out their hands to me and showed me what it was like to be seen and appreciated, and it really changed my life.

Not only did it give me a chance to help strengthen our community in return, but it also helped me find Christ with just one invite to FCA. Within my community at Belhaven, my light was seen, and they taught me to see the light that everyone else has. It taught me to support others and give them a chance to shine their light. There were so many people that changed my life at Belhaven, and all I wanted to do was have the same impact that they had on me. I wanted others to know that they mattered, that they were supported and seen, and that they had a community who backed them and rooted for them wholeheartedly. I was able to do small things that helped our community grow like get other teams to other sporting events, help get students involved in campus rec activities, invite others to FCA, and make decisions on behalf of my teammates through SAAC. Belhaven has given me a chance to be shine my light for others to see so that I may be able to bring glory to God, and so that they too may be able to use their gifts and abilities to shine in their own ways. And I will forever be grateful for the opportunities Belhaven has given me as well as the impact this community has had on my life.

 


Ben Onufrock, Men’s Tennis, Covenant College

My time at Covenant College has been transformative as a scholar, athlete, and leader, and each role has sharpened the others and shaped who I am becoming. My experience here has been nothing short of life-changing, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Academically, Covenant challenged me to think critically and apply ideas beyond the classroom. The student-athlete model here isn't just a phrase; it's a standard I've held myself to, balancing rigorous coursework with the demands of competitive tennis. On the court, competing as a Scot on the men's tennis team has been one of the great privileges of my college career. The culture of this team–the commitment, the camaraderie, the daily grind of doing something you love alongside people you respect, has made me not just a better player, but a better person. The friendships I've built here will outlast any result or record. Being around such a great group of guys constantly helps foster a level of gratitude for those around you, and the blessing of being able to compete and play the sport you love everyday. But what I'm most proud of is the opportunity to lead. Serving as team captain during my junior and senior years (2024–2026) pushed me in ways I didn't expect. Leadership isn't just about setting an example on the court, it's about being a voice your teammates can trust and a bridge between the team and the coaching staff. That responsibility has given me a foundation I'll carry well beyond college athletics.

 



Jack Burr, Men’s Golf, Huntingdon College

Being a scholar-athlete has had a huge impact on who I am today. Throughout college, I've learned how to balance the demands of school, athletics, and everyday life while staying committed to my goals. It hasn't always been easy, but those challenges have taught me discipline, time management, and the importance of showing up and giving my best effort every day.

Athletics has taught me some of the most valuable lessons I'll carry with me for the rest of my life. I've experienced success, but I've also faced disappointment and setbacks. Those moments taught me how to stay positive, work harder, and keep moving forward even when things don't go my way. I've learned that growth often comes from the difficult moments, and that resilience is one of the most important qualities a person can have.
Being part of a team has also shaped me in many ways. I've built friendships that will last a lifetime and learned how important it is to support others, communicate well, and be someone people can rely on. My coaches and teammates have pushed me to become a better athlete, student, and person.

Looking back on my college experience, I'm grateful for everything being a scholar-athlete has taught me. It has given me confidence in myself, taught me how to handle challenges, and prepared me for whatever comes next. The lessons I've learned will stay with me long after my time in college is over.

 



Cody Funk, Baseball, Piedmont University

My experiences as a scholar, an athlete, and a leader have influenced my character tremendously and encouraged me to make a positive impact on those around me. Over the course of four years, several academic and athletic achievements, professional experiences and time in the community have development me into a man with discipline, resilience, and integrity. Ultimately, I learned what it meant to serve a purpose greater than myself which is something that will guide me throughout my life and the rest of my career.

As a scholar, I have learned many lessons but most importantly that success is the result of your own dedication, commitment, and willingness to improve. In the classroom, I was able to gain hands-on experience in law enforcement. First Responders are individuals I have always had respect for, not only for what they do but how selfless they are. Experiences such as these were incredibly valuable to my education. They have shown me how impactful a tool such as knowledge can be and how I can use it to influence the lives of those around me in a positive way.

Athletics have played an equally important role in shaping my character. During my time playing baseball for Piedmont, I have learned how to overcome adversity, remained focused on farfetched goals, and be orientated in success that involved the team as a whole. Although I can name individual accomplishments, it was ultimately a result of teamwork that led to my success. My experiences as an athlete taught me what it is like to root and play not for myself, but for the guys beside me. Albeit, as my time playing baseball comes to an end, many things will be left on the field. What will not be left on the field are the lessons and skills I learned, and how I can apply them moving forward to better the world that surrounds me.

Leadership opportunities have allowed me to put many of these skills and lessons I have learned into action. I pride myself in serving others, especially those who are not as fortunate as the rest of us. I have a brother, Austin, who has down syndrome. This has opened my eyes to view the world in a way that many will never understand or experience. Being able to include him and some of his friends into my everyday life brings them so much joy. They often tend to get overlooked. By focusing on serving those with disabilities and trying to create opportunities for them not only impacts my life in a better way but also leaves an impact on theirs that will last a lifetime to them.

Collectively, my time as a scholar, an athlete, and leader have shaped my life into what it is today. It has taught me how to approach situations with determination, lead with confidence, and ultimately serve a purpose that is greater than myself. As I continue my career, I hope the lessons I learned will influence others and create a lasting impact no matter where I go.