VERMILLION, S.D.—South Dakota track and field athletes Zack Anderson and Jonna Bart were named the 2021 Male and Female Scholar Athletes of the Year, respectively, in a digital version of the Charlies. The award is presented annually to accomplished senior student-athletes with a minimum 3.2 cumulative grade-point average.
 
Anderson, a native of Parker, South Dakota, jumped the Olympic standard in the high jump this spring by clearing 7-5 (2.26m) at the South Dakota Challenge. He's a four-time All-American in the high jump and two-time CoSIDA Academic All-American to date. Anderson also captured eight Summit League titles, including four consecutive outdoor high jump crowns. He owns USD's indoor (7-3 ¾) and outdoor (7-5) high jump records. Anderson graduated with a bachelor's degree in general studies with a 3.35 cumulative grade-point average.
 
The nominees for Male Scholar Athlete of the Year were Zack Anderson (track and field), Ethan Bray (track and field), Cooper Fuchs (swimming and diving), Mason Schiedegger (football) and Matt Tolan (golf).
 
Bart, hailing from Aurora, Nebraska, captured her first career Summit title in the 3,000-meter steeplechase this spring. She's a three-time qualifier for the NCAA West Preliminary in the steeplechase. She owns USD's steeplechase record (10:14.58) and ranks in the top-10 of USD program history in five different events on the track. Bart graduated with a bachelor's degree in accounting and mathematics with a 3.94 undergraduate grade-point average. She boasts a perfect 4.00 graduate GPA in pursuing her master's degree.
 
The nominees for Female Scholar Athlete of the Year were Monica Arens (basketball), Jonna Bart (track and field), Helen Falda (track and field), Camille Fowler (softball), Maddie Gallagher (swimming and diving) and Sunny Huettner (soccer).
 
Anderson is the seventh Coyote track and field athlete to receive Male Scholar Athlete of the Year since 2010. Bart is the sixth Coyote track and field athlete to garner Female Scholar Athlete of the Year since 2011, however she is the first to do so since 2015.
 
A list of recipients of the Male and Female Scholar Athlete of the Year awards over the last decade follows.
 
Male Scholar Athlete of the Year
2021: Zack Anderson, track and field
2020: Josh Sorbe, swimming and diving
2019: Eldon Warner, track and field/cross country
2018: Brice Cowman, track and field/cross country
2017: Miles Bergner, football
2016: Jeff O'Connell, track and field
2015: Brandon Bos, basketball
2014: Brandon Kovash, track and field
2013: Tim Marlette, football
2012: Chris Ganious, football
2011: Tane Owens, track and field
2010: Rob Gregoire, track and field/cross country
2009: Brandon White, football
 
Female Scholar Athlete of the Year
2021: Jonna Bart, track and field/cross country
2020: Anne Rasmussen, volleyball
2019: Allison Arens, basketball
2018: Brittany Jessen, volleyball
2017: Bridget Arens, basketball
2016: Elena Tsakakis, soccer
2015: Megan Glisar, track and field
2014: Bethany Firsick, track and field
2013: Alexa Duling, track and field
2012: Annie Roche, basketball; Emma Ladwig, track and field
2011: Crystal Schiernbeck, track and field
2010: Meredith Howell, swimming and diving; Rijalda Zejnic, tennis
2009: Tagney Jones, softball