The Concord University Athletic department would like to announce that Matt Lester has been awarded the Ira Blankenship Leadership Scholarship for the 2008-2009 school year.
Matt is a senior from Brenton, West Virginia majoring in Athletic training. He is a three year member of the men’s tennis team.
This yearly scholarship is given to the returning player who has gone above and beyond in his contributions to the success of the team. On court performance is important, but the behind the stage work necessary to insure this success is the key. “Matt is more than just a player for us, stated Tennis coach Joe Blankenship, he is a on court assistant, extra driver, court maintenance man, and a trusted member and friend for the men’s program.”
Matt also helps with the women’s program in practices and transportation. All in all, having Matt around has made the last three years go a lot easier. On Court he is a competitor who has great athletic ability and had a lot of success over the last three years.
In high school Matt was a standout at West Side high in Wyoming County. He played football, Basketball and tennis, but decided to focus on tennis in his college years.
This scholarship is named in honor of a former Athletic director/coach/instructor at Concord, Ira Blankenship. Coach Blankenship was an outstanding athlete in his time, a dedicated professor, and an outstanding athletic administrator. His dedication to Concord, its students and the athletic department continued until his passing.