Augusta University Men’s Track & Field Achieves Academic Recognition

Augusta, GA – The Augusta University men’s track & field team has achieved notable academic recognition, with 15 student-athletes named to the 2024-25 Peach Belt Conference Team of Academic Distinction. The announcement was made on June 5, 2025, highlighting the team’s commitment to both academic excellence and competitive performance.

Details of the Recognition

The Peach Belt Conference Team of Academic Distinction is sponsored by Barnes & Noble College and acknowledges the efforts of athletes who excel academically while also contributing significantly in their respective sports. To be eligible, athletes must participate in at least half of their team’s contests as starters or major contributors, maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher, and complete a minimum of one academic year at their institution while holding sophomore athletic eligibility.

Student-Athletes Recognized

The roster of recognized athletes includes:

• Sophomores:
  • Gabriel Best (Accounting, 3.87 GPA, Peachtree City, GA)
  • Michael Chatman (Cybersecurity, 3.90 GPA)
  • Eli Corn (Cell and Molecular Biology, 3.95 GPA, Dallas, GA)
  • Michael Meriweather (Biology, 3.51 GPA, Augusta, GA)
• Juniors:
  • Roberto Barrera (Business Administration, 3.85 GPA, Florida Blanca)
  • Joseph Elbert (Cybersecurity, 3.96 GPA, Dallas, GA)
  • Andrew Helfers (Kinesiology, 3.59 GPA, Newnan, GA)
  • Noah Shepherd (Kinesiology, 3.89 GPA, Midland, GA)
  • Shahzeb Rashid (Cell and Molecular Biology, 3.82 GPA, Hoschton, GA)
• Seniors:
  • Avery Jaynes (Sport Management, 4.00 GPA, Brooklet, GA)
  • Ryan Lee (Cell and Molecular Biology, 4.00 GPA, Lilburn, GA)
  • Brandon Martin (Biology, 3.64 GPA, Commerce, GA)
  • Matthew Moore (Cybersecurity, 4.00 GPA, Newnan, GA)
  • Patrick Motes (Communication, 4.00 GPA, Rome, GA)
  • Andrew Todd (Kinesiology, 4.00 GPA, Lilburn, GA)

Highlights of Individual Performances

The men’s track & field team not only excelled academically but also displayed strong performance in their recent competitions. Their outdoor season kicked off on March 1, 2025, at the SWU/Susan Rouse Invite, where several athletes achieved top-10 finishes in various events:

• Chris Hart won the 100-meter dash with a time of 10.68 seconds.
• Roberto Barrera claimed victory in the 400 meters, finishing in 49.75 seconds.
• Andrew Todd topped the 5000 meters with a time of 16:06.66.
• Sawyer Whatley excelled in the 400-meter hurdles, finishing at 1:00.33.
• Joshua Bowen led the javelin with a throw of 57.49 meters, further solidifying the team’s competitive edge.

Background on Ryan Lee

One of the notable members of the team is Ryan Lee, who graduated in May 2025 with a degree in Cell and Molecular Biology and an impeccable 4.0 GPA. Lee also participated in the Medical College of Georgia’s Professional Scholar Program, allowing him to enroll in medical school while competing in track & field. He is recognized for receiving the PBC Elite 18 Award and graduating summa cum laude. In addition to his academic achievements, Lee holds the school record in javelin with a throw of 53.30 meters and has been active in volunteer efforts for HALO Clinics.

Upcoming Competitions

The Augusta University men’s track & field team is poised to continue their competitive season, with their next event scheduled for the John-Hunter James Classic in Columbia, SC. The team’s dedication to both academics and athletics showcases their commitment to excellence on all fronts.