Four Florida Tech Panthers Football Players Earn Academic All-District Distinction

eligible for CoSIDA Academic All-American

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Cornerback Manny Abad, kicker Kyle Gullikson, offensive lineman Cory Sanicky and linebacker Chris Stapleton were all tabbed as academic all-district honorees.

BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – The 2016 CoSIDA Academic All-District selections have been announced, with four Panthers receiving the prestigious recognition for their play and work in the classroom.

Cornerback Manny Abad, kicker Kyle Gullikson, offensive lineman Cory Sanicky and linebacker Chris Stapleton were all tabbed as academic all-district honorees.

The four selections for FIT are tied for the most in District 2, matched by South Atlantic Conference member Carson-Newman. Prior to the 2016 selections, the Panthers had just one academic all-district selection in program history. Abad became the first FIT player to receive the distinction in 2014.

Abad leads the Panthers with a 4.00 GPA, majoring in accounting. The Cuban native has started all eight games, ranking third on the team total tackles with 32. Abad has registered four pass breakups and an interception.

Gullikson has maintained a 3.69 GPA in ocean engineering. The former Titusville Terrier’s 39.3-yard average on punts ranks fifth in the Gulf South Conference. Gullikson is 1-for-2 on field goal attempts and averages 57.9 yards per kickoff, while registering eight tackles on the season.

Sanicky holds a 3.71 GPA in information systems.

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The senior has plugged in at multiple spots on the offensive line, helping set up the GSC’s leading rush offense, which ranks 27th in the nation. The Panthers also lead the conference in total offense by nearly 50 yards per game.

Stapleton has earned a 3.80 GPA in business administration. The Navarre High School product leads the team with 58 total tackles, making 4.0 tackles for loss and a sack. Stapleton has picked off two passes on the season, registered two pass breakups and recovered a fumble.

The four players now become eligible for CoSIDA Academic All-American consideration, which will be announced later in 2016. The full list of academic all-district honorees can be found above.

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