Lee Track and field standout Justin Brooks was named to the exclusive GSC Top 10 list and was recognized on Thursday, June 1 at the Hilton Pensacola Beach Florida during the annual Awards Banquet for the conference .
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These awards, based on athletic, academic and extracurricular achievement during the 2016-17 academic year, recognize the top five male and top five female student-athletes as the cream of the GSC crop. The top male and female receive the Commissioner's Trophy, the conference's most prestigious honor.
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The "Top Ten" are selected with the assistance of an advisory committee representing the ADs, SWAs, SIDs, FARs and presidents from randomly selected GSC schools, which makes a recommendation to the commissioner, who has the final decision.
Brooks is the first-ever track and field standout to make the list since the awards inception in 1996-97. The sophomore's off-season determination resulted in a great season on the track for the Flames. His success began at the NCAA DII Indoor Track and Field Championships where his fifth-place finish in the 400-meter dash earned him All-American honors which was a first for the Lee program. The Athens, Ga. native continued to impress in outdoor season as he claimed the GSC 400-meter title and All-GSC First Team honors with a time of 47.09. The time also qualified him for a spot in the NCAA National Meet where he earned first team All-American honors in the 400 and 200 meters and the triple jump.
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Brooks carries a 3.22 GPA as a Mathematics major. He is a two-time GSC Academic Honor Roll designee and is a strong candidate for this year's Spring All-Academic Team. He is a very active volunteer on and off campus, playing guitar for Lee's Elevation Worship Band and serves as a Door Floor Leader. Brooks is regular volunteer at East Ridge Elementary School and helps lead worship for the children's ministry at Cornerstone Church.
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"This is a fantastic award for Justin," said track and field coach Caleb Morgan. "He is a great example of an athlete who balances athletics, academics, and extra-curricular activities. Justin being the only underclass men to make the list and the first track athlete in 20 years is truly special."
