Nebraska Wesleyan University 's men’s track & field student athlete, Garrett Lenners ‘23, has been named a finalist for the 2022-23 Duane Schroeder Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year, handed out by the American Rivers Conference.
Lenners, of Adams, Neb., had a successful career at Nebraska Wesleyan University, both on and off the track. He was a six-time All-American and competed in several outdoor and indoor track events, most notably in the 800 meters and 4x400 relays.
"He has combined leadership skills, academic success, and athletic prowess in a way that puts him at the very top of the list," says Ted Bulling, retired director of track & field / cross country at NWU.
Lenners finished with a 3.76 GPA while majoring in biology. His academic achievements include three consecutive years on the A-R-C All-Academic Team and selection to the USTFCCCA All-Academic Team in 2022 and 2023. He was awarded the prestigious NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship in 2023, demonstrating his commitment to both athletic and academic success.
Cindy Marolf, associate professor of biology, acknowledged his extraordinary talents, saying, "Garrett is an excellent student academically. He has strong critical thinking and communication skills."
He has actively participated in a variety of volunteer programs, including Tabitha Meals on Wheels, which provides access to proper nutrition for older adults and allows those with disabilities to remain safely at home. His interest in medicine led him to work as an EMT ambulance operator at Midwest Medical and volunteer as a first aid responder at the 2019 Bike MS Nebraska Event.
Lenners was also an active member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).