Brendan Epstein and Emily Lesher win Kidera Awards
Brendan Epstein (left) and Emily Lesher
ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Nazareth College seniors Brendan Epstein and Emily Lesher are the 2008 recipients of the Robert A. Kidera Scholar-Athlete Award, which recognizes the combination of athletic and academic excellence.
Epstein, of Moravia, N.Y. and a graduate of Moravia High School, is a four-year member of the men's cross country and track and field teams. Along with teammates Nick Stenuf and Jessica Brown, Epstein was among the first Nazareth cross country runners to qualify for the NCAA Championship meet in 2007. In the fall, Epstein was honored by the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association for having a cumulative grade-point average of 3.95 as a biology major. Epstein won the Empire 8 Championship race in 2007 and placed 10th in the Atlantic Regional by recording a school record time of 24:53 in the 8-kilometer race. In addition to his cross country success, Epstein also holds several school records in various track and field events. As a senior, Epstein also served as a team captain for the Golden Flyers.
Lesher, of Sherrill, N.Y. and a graduate of Vernon-Verona-Sherrill High School, is a four-year member of the women's swimming and diving team. Lesher has earned all-American honors eight times during her career at Nazareth. During the 2006-07 season, Lesher won an NCAA National Championship in the 400-yard individual medley as she finished in an NCAA record time of 4:22.75. Despite recording a personal best time of 4:20.50, Lesher narrowly missed repeating as national champion during the 2007-08 season as she finished in second place by .19 seconds. Lesher was named Swimmer of the Meet at the Empire 8 Championships after she earned first-team honors in four events and second-team honors in two events.
To be eligible for the Kidera Award, a student-athlete must possess a grade point average of 3.0 or higher while displaying character and leadership in campus activities. The Awrad is named for the late Robert A. Kidera, who served as Nazareth College's president from 1976 until 1984.