The University of Toledo men’s basketball player JT Shumate and softball player Erin Hunt were selected as recipients of the MAC Medal of Excellence, as recently announced by the league office.
The MAC Medal of Excellence is presented annually to one male and one female student-athlete from the graduating class of each of the conference’s 12 member institutions. Per the MAC, the individuals selected for the award have distinguished themselves academically, athletically, and through demonstrated leadership and service.
Shumate and Hunt will be awarded the Medal of Excellence at the Mid-American Conference Honors Dinner in Cleveland on Thursday, June 1.
Shumate graduated this spring with a bachelor’s degree in middle childhood education while carrying a cumulative GPA of 3.81. Hunt is currently working towards her master’s degree in public health and posted a 4.00 GPA in the spring semester. She previously received her bachelor’s degrees in biology and nursing last year.
Shumate wrapped up his Rocket career by earning First-Team All-MAC honors during the 2022-23 campaign, helping Toledo become the first current MAC school to win three-straight outright league titles. He became the first Toledo men’s basketball player and third Rocket overall to earn CSC First-Team Academic All-America honors twice. The Newark native also was the recipient of the 2023 Chuck Ealey College Undefeated Spirit Award, presented annually to the student-athlete who best demonstrates the behaviors of living the Undefeated Spirit in their sport, in the classroom and in the community.
Hunt has established herself as one of the top pitchers in the Mid-American Conference, ranking among the league leaders in ERA (2.53) and opponent batting average (.210). In 2019, Hunt was named MAC Tournament MVP, winning six games to help Toledo capture its first-ever MAC Tournament title. The Danville, Michigan, native ranks among Toledo’s all-time leaders with 632 strikeouts (No. 2), 15 career shutouts (No. 3), 59 wins (No. 3), 658 innings pitched (No. 6), .573 winning percentage (No. 6), 98 career starts (No. 6), and 215 career appearances (No. 8).
