Former Suffolk high school athletes swept Chowan University’s annual Most Outstanding Athlete awards last week at the university’s annual Awards Day Convocation.

Senior Jaleel Nelson, of Lakeland, and junior Mindy Byrd, of King’s Fork, were honored with the awards spanning the whole Chowan athletic program.

Nelson led the Hawk basketball team to an 18-10 record overall and a 13-7 record in Chowan’s first year as a full CIAA (Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association) member.

Nelson, a 6-foot-5 guard, did some of everything for Chowan in his senior season. Nelson led the Hawks in points (18.0 per game), assists (2.9) and steals (2.1) while also getting 5.8 rebounds per game. He was second in scoring in the CIAA.

The former Cavalier finished his collegiate career with a number of honors. Nelson was named All-Region and All-American in the National Christian College Athletic Association and All-CIAA for the regular season and tournament. With over 1,200 career points as a Hawk, Nelson is third all-time in scoring in Chowan history.

Chowan’s softball season is still going, in large part because of Byrd’s play for the Lady Hawks.

Byrd, an outfielder, is hitting .389 while starting 51 of CU’s 53 games so far this season. Byrd has 51 runs, 11 doubles, three triples, three home runs, 46 RBI, 10 sacrifices and 17 stolen bases.

Chowan went through its first season in the CIAA winning the regular season and tournament championships with a 22-0 record. The Lady Hawks are awaiting their pairing for the upcoming NCAA Div. II Tournament