STATEN ISLAND, NY – The College of Staten Island concluded the 2025–26 academic year almost two weeks ago, highlighted by the commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 28. With the close of the academic year, the East Coast Conference (ECC) announced its 2025–26 academic awards, including the Athletic Solutions ECC Student-Athletes of the Year.
Sam Whelan, who graduated on May 28 with a degree in History and a minor in Political Science, posted a perfect 4.0 GPA during the 2026 spring semester to lead the men's track and field team. He completed his academic career with a 3.912 cumulative GPA, the highest on the team for the Dolphins.
His success in the classroom earned him the 2025–26 Athletic Solutions ECC Student-Athlete of the Year honor for men's indoor track and field.
Whelan was the Dolphins' top performer through the 2025-26 season on and off the track
Whelan excelled not only in the classroom, but also on the track during the 2025–26 season. During the indoor campaign, he posted the Dolphins' top times in the 60m (6.96), 200m (21.90), and 300m (35.11). At the 2025–26 ECC Indoor Track & Field Championship, Whelan recorded top-five finishes in both the 60m and 200m dash, earning First Team All-Conference honors. He also captured a bronze medal in the 200m, finishing with the Dolphins' fastest time of the season in the event at 21.90.
