July 10, 2008

Horizon League Release

Jessica Weidert, a senior on the Wright State swimming and diving team, has been named as the female recipient of the 2007-08 Horizon League Cecil N. Coleman Medal of Honor, it was announced Thursday by the League office.

The Horizon League's highest individual honor, the Coleman Award is presented annually to the Horizon League's top male and female student-athletes who best exemplify the dignity and high purpose of the Horizon League and its membership. The individuals demonstrate outstanding achievement in academics, athletics and extracurricular activities. Candidates must be a senior who has exhausted his/her eligibility and was a participant on the varsity level in a League-sponsored sport. In addition, nominees must have a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.00 on a 4.00 scale, or its equivalent.

"We are exceptionally proud of what Jessica has accomplished in her collegiate career as an individual and as a member of a highly successful team," said Horizon League Commissioner Jon LeCrone. "While student-athletes so often get praised for their work on the court or on the field, the Coleman Award also recognizes athletes for their character and tireless efforts in the classroom and community. Jessica exemplifies what our four platforms are all about, and we wish her well in her future endeavors."

"This is a great honor for Jessica and the University," said Sion Brinn, Wright State's head swimming and diving coach. "She has worked very hard in and out of the pool during her time at Wright State, which has made her into the well-rounded person she is today. I would love for her to be a teacher of my child."

Weidert (Spokane, WA/Mead) graduated Summa Cum Laude with a perfect 4.0 grade-point average this spring, earning a bachelor's degree in modern languages. She is currently continuing her education at Wright State in pursuit of a master's degree in education.

Weidert was selected last month as an ESPN The Magazine Second Team Academic All-American by the College Sports Information Directors of America, the highest honor for a Raider in that program since 2000. She was also a two-time recipient of Dr. Carl Benner Scholar-Athlete Award, which is given annually to the Wright State student-athlete with the top grade point average and is either a junior or senior.

Chosen as a College of Liberal Arts Top Scholar in 2008, Weidert was a three-time Academic All-Horizon League selection and was the League's Female Scholar-Athlete of the Week on January 31 and February 26.

In the pool, Weidert was the 2007-08 Horizon League Female Swimmer of the Meet and the Female Athlete of the Year as she led the Raider women to a second-place finish. She set new League records in winning the 200 breaststroke, 200 individual medley and 400 individual medley, with the 200 individual medley time also setting a new school mark.

Earlier in the season, Weidert became the school record holder in the 200 breaststroke at the Miami Invitational and posted a new WSU Natatorium record in that event against Xavier.

Along with her academic and athletic accomplishments, Weidert was a member of Wright State's Student-Athlete Advisory Council and the Gang Green Environmental Action Group on campus. She has also volunteered as a swim coach with the Special Olympics, taught local youth swimming lessons and was the student-athlete member of WSU's athletic director search committee earlier this year.

Weidert is the first Wright State female student-athlete ever to earn the Coleman Medal and just the second all-time for the university as baseball player Andy Matko received the men's honor in 1996-97.