Wingate’s Haffly Named SAC Football Scholar-Athlete of the Year

ROCK HILL, S.C. - One of the conference's most accomplished players in recent years, Wingate senior quarterback Cody Haffly has been named the 2011 SAC Football Scholar-Athlete of the Year, an award recognizing academic achievement, athletic excellence, service and leadership.

The award is voted on by the league's Faculty Athletic Representatives.

"The SAC is proud to announce Cody Haffly as this year's Football Scholar-Athlete of the Year", said Commissioner Patrick Britz. "It's been a thrill watching Cody develop and excel as a player, but even more so as a leader for his teammates and on his campus."

Haffly has accumulated numerous individual and team accomplishments during his career at Wingate. This season, the Locust Grove, Ga., native threw for league-best 3,175 yards and 29 touchdowns, earning second-team All-Conference honors. He has also been named a regional finalist for the Harlon Hill Award.

Haffly's name appears throughout the SAC's career record book as well, ranking sixth in both passing yards and total offense.

As a junior in 2010, Haffly passed for a league-record 42 touchdowns, leading Wingate to a berth in the NCAA Division II Football Championship and earning a spot on the All-Region Team and All-SAC Second Team.

"Cody Haffly is a once-in-a-decade student-athlete," said Wingate head football coach Joe Reich. "He is smart, savvy and confident."

In the classroom, Haffly is equally impressive. He is a three-time member of both the Wingate Dean's List and SAC Honor Roll.

"On and off the field, he sets the example for his teammates to follow," added Reich.

Haffly currently carries a 3.311 GPA studying physical education.

Around the community, Haffly has volunteered for the Wingate Football Special Olympics Day each year he's been at the school, and is a frequent visitor to the Levine Children's Hospital and Wingate Elementary Schools.

Haffly has held numerous positions on the Wingate Student-Athlete Advisory Committee -- including President -- and attended the NCAA National Student Athlete Development Leadership Conference. He also served on campus as a Wingate University Navigate tour guide.

"Cody is a proven leader, not just on the football field but throughout the entire Wingate University community," Wingate athletic director Steve Poston said.

"He is a winner by any definition of the term."