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UNC Athletics: Switzer, Jackson and Carter named Patterson Medal winners

By Zack Pearson

Apr 1, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) reacts after making a basket against the Oregon Ducks in the second half in the semifinals of the 2017 NCAA Men's Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) reacts after making a basket against the Oregon Ducks in the second half in the semifinals of the 2017 NCAA Men's Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Ryan Switzer, Justin Jackson and Hayley Carter take home the Patterson Medal for 2016-17

Three student-athletes at the University of North Carolina picked up a big award on Tuesday afternoon.

Ryan Switzer, Justin Jackson and Hayley Carter were named the winners of the 2017 Patterson Medal.

The award is given out to athletes who have achieved something major at the University of North Carolina, while playing at least three seasons for the Tar Heels. This year’s recipients have accomplished a lot in their athletic career while on campus at Chapel Hill.

Here’s a brief description of the award from GoHeels:

"The Patterson Medal is based primarily on career athletic accomplishments. The recipients must have played at least three seasons for the Tar Heels. Sportsmanship and leadership are also considered. Dr. Joseph Patterson first presented the medal in 1924 to honor the memory of his brother, John Durand Patterson."

Carter set a record for the most singles matches won in ACC history with 168 over her career at UNC. In addition to winning the2017 ITA Senior Player of the Year, she’s a two-time ACC Player of the Year, two-time ACC Championship MVP and a four-time first-team All-ACC member.

She becomes just the second women’s tennis player under head coach Brian Kalbas to win the Patterson Medal, joining Caroline Price in 2015.

Before being drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2017 NFL Draft, Switzer spent four seasons with the Tar Heels.

He set the school records for most receptions (244), receiving yards (2,907), punt returns for touchdowns (7) and punt return yards (1,082). Switzer broke an NCAA record by returning five punts for touchdowns during the 2013 season.

Switzer becomes the 35th football player in school history to receive the award.

Then there’s Jackson.

After testing the NBA draft waters in 2016, Jackson decided to return for his junior season at UNC and it was a good decision.

Jackson won the ACC Player of the Year award, helping lead the Tar Heels past Gonzaga in the National Championship. He’s the fourth player to win the award under Roy Williams and the 30th overall basketball player to win it.

He was recently selected in the first round by the Portland Trailblazers and traded to the Sacramento Kings.

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