Caden Noonkester

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NC STATE PUNTER NAMED GO BOWLING

MILITARY BOWL STEM SCHOLAR-ATHLETE

North Carolina State University punter Caden Noonkester, a graduate student with a degree in crop and soil sciences who is pursuing a master’s degree in agricultural sales, innovation and consulting, has been named a Go Bowling Military Bowl STEM Scholar-Athlete.

Noonkester, who is from Waxhaw, N.C., has a 3.04 grade-point average. As an undergraduate, he had a concentration in agronomy and a minor in agricultural business management. He interned with Southern States as an agronomy salesman. He also worked in a lab on campus doing mitochondrial genome editing to lower the nicotine concentration in tobacco plants, with the intent of reducing the number of people who are addicted to cigarettes.

“This is kind of personal for me because I had a grandfather who had cancer from cigarettes,” he said.

“I originally planned to major in fisheries, wildlife and conservation biology because I’ve always been an outdoorsy kid. I grew up going on walks in the woods and I went fishing, so it was always something I was interested in. But then I realized that field really focused on regulations and violations and that didn’t seem like a good fit for me.

“In agronomy, you have the answers and you’re able to work with farmers and growers to help them find the solution that they need. And so, I figured I’d rather be the guy that people want to see come out to the farm and help them.”

Noonkester is interested in pursuing agricultural sales or innovation after his football playing career.

“Caden balances his commitment to STEM and athletics, embodying an impressive blend of intellectual curiosity and athletic discipline,” NC State academic advisor Ashley Grigsby said. “His ability to excel in demanding coursework while thriving as a football student-athlete speaks volumes about his dedication, time management skills and resilience. Caden is not only a standout in the classroom but also a leader on the field, making him an exemplary model of excellence in both arenas.”

The Go Bowling Military Bowl is proud to announce the members of the fourth annual STEM Scholar-Athlete Program, recognizing some of the brightest minds competing on the gridiron in the ACC and the American Athletic Conference.

“The Go Bowling Military Bowl STEM Scholar-Athlete Program honors an amazing group of young men who truly showcase what it means to be a student-athlete,” Military Bowl Foundation President & Executive Director Steve Beck said. “We are thrilled to honor this group of talented players for their success on and off the field while continually challenging themselves in the classroom.”

The Go Bowling Military Bowl STEM Scholar-Athlete Program honors one football player at each university that is a member of the ACC and the American Athletic Conference – the two conferences that are represented in the Go Bowling Military Bowl college football game. These players are studying STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) subjects and/or aspire to STEM careers.

The two players whose teams compete in the 2024 Go Bowling Military Bowl will be recognized at the game, which takes place on Saturday, Dec. 28 at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Md. Kickoff is at 5:45 p.m. ET and the game will be televised on ESPN. Bowl tickets are on sale now. A donation will be made in the name of these two players to their respective school’s general scholarship fund.