John Gilmer, Sewanee: The University of the South, Men's Track & Field

JOHN GILMER OF SEWANEE: THE UNIVERSITY OF THE SOUTH, a senior on the men’s track and field team from Mobile, Ala., has been selected as the SCAC Character & Community Male Student-Athlete-of-the-Week for the week ending May 20, 2012.

Gilmer, a SCAC Academic Honor Roll selection in both Track and Cross Country, organized the Kick it for Congo benefit that supported the Falling Whistles Foundation. Founded by Sean Carasso, the Falling Whistles Foundation supports Congolese programs to restore the lives of war-affected children and advocates for peace in Congo here in the US through advocacy and awareness programs.

Dozens of Greek and non-Greek students at Sewanee came together to support Falling Whistles by organizing the event which included music from Sewanee's Jordan Hall and friends and the Opry Pickers, a raffle, and lots of delicious food donated by local restaurants.

Despite an afternoon of ominous weather, dozens gathered to kick back, listen to some tunes, enjoy a burger, and raise over $1800 to rehabilitate war-victimized children in Congo.

Gilmer, who received the Sewanee Senior Award for Best Behind the Scences and was the 2011 Homecoming King, was recognized by the Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association as a Division III All-Academic Team.