WALESKA, Ga.— According to a release from the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) office late Wednesday morning, Montreat College cross country and track & field runner Ethan Stamey is the 2024-25 Colonel John Sullivan Male Student-Athlete of Character. This marks the second straight year in which a Montreat College Cavalier secured the annual league honor.
 
"Ethan Stamey was a high-quality performer who consistently held himself to the highest standard in everything he did—on the course, in the classroom and as a teammate," said Rylan Hincher, the head cross country coach at Montreat College. "Ethan brought a deep passion and intensity to our program every day, and it's that same drive and integrity that made him such an integral part of our team. He's earned every bit of this recognition."
 
Stamey made program history this past fall during the cross country season. Not only did he pick up a First Team All-AAC nod, but he set the squad's 8k record with a time of 24:02.5. The senior continued his historic season with the program's top individual placement at the national meet, ending 16^th out of 326 finishers. With his showing, Stamey became the first three-time cross country NAIA All-American in Montreat history.
 
The Franklin, N.C. native kept his strong run of form going as he transitioned into indoor season. Stamey bagged a conference title in the 5000m and contributed two additional all-conference efforts at the league's indoor meet. When it came time for the 2025 U.S. Marines NAIA Indoor Track & Field Championships, Stamey didn't miss a beat, concluding third in the 5000m final for another All-American honor.
 
As the 2024-25 academic year came to a close, Stamey wrapped things up with an All-AAC outdoor performance and another trip to the national championships.
 
Excelling outside of athletics as well, Stamey registered Daktronics NAIA Scholar-Athlete and AAC All-Academic Team status. He also interned for the Asheville Dream Center, a non-profit organization that strives to facilitate "spiritual, social and economic transformation through the love of Jesus Christ in the greater Asheville, N.C. region."
 
To view the official 2024-25 AAC Colonel John Sullivan Male Student-Athlete of Character release, click here.
 
As the AAC Colonel John Sullivan Male Student-Athlete of Character, Stamey will now serve as one of the conference's nominees for the Dr. Leroy Walker Character Award. The national winner will be announced later this fall.