(Ann Arbor, MI) The Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) nominated Ryan Bjellquist-Ledger of the Men's Cross Country Team for the prestigious A.O. Duer Award sponsored by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). The award, named after former NAIA executive director Al Duer, recognizes a junior female and male student-athlete who excels in character, playing ability, and scholarship.

Bjellquist-Ledger demonstrates self-motivation in and out of the classroom. As a member of the cross country and track teams, he has learned to manage his time efficiently, flowing from practices to meets to a rigorous triple major academic schedule (Biology, Exercise Science, English). He recently received the Academic Excellence Award for his success in Exercise Science and English and has a 3.83 GPA. His ability to effect change for the common good is evident is his willingness to ask questions, understand others, and take a leadership role. Despite injuries that prohibited him from competing for some of the season, Bjellquist-Ledger still maintained his commitments to his coaches and teammates by offering encouragement from the sidelines when he was unable to run.

Bjellquist-Ledger represents the ideals of a scholar-athlete as evidenced by his scholarship, character, citizenship, and athletic ability. The national winner is selected by the NAIA Council of Faculty Athletics Representatives from a pool of candidates from member conferences and receives a $1,000 scholarship and certificate.

Previous WHAC Honorees

2014-15: Jamie Kilps, Indiana Tech (W)

2014-15:  Ryan Bjellquist-Ledger, Concordia (M)

2013-14: Sam Cole, Davenport (W)

(Credit:  WHAC.net)