LHU Athletics Director Sharon Taylor welcomed keynote speaker Teyon Ware to the men's sports picnic on May 1.

LOCK HAVEN, Pa. - Lock Haven University student athletes in men’s sports got together on Monday evening, May 1, for a sports picnic celebrating the achievements of the past year.

Athletics Director Sharon Taylor and LHU President Barbara B. Dixon gave welcoming remarks. Each head coach introduced a player who spoke briefly about his team. LHU provides NCAA athletics competition for men in baseball, basketball, cross country, football, soccer, indoor and outdoor track, and wrestling.

Wrestling Coach Robbie Waller introduced Teyon Ware, keynote speaker for the event. Ware is a distinguished amateur wrestler. He is a two-time NCAA Division I Champion, four-time NCAA Division I All-American, and Big XII Conference Champion. He is currently training for the Pan-American Games and for the 2012 Olympics in London. Since 2009 he has been Club Coach of the Nittany Lion Wrestling Club and assists Coach Waller at LHU.

Ware spoke to the student athletes about leadership. Using experiences in his life and sports career, he offered three guidelines for effective leadership: be willing to serve, be willing to take the risks, and “live the life.” “It’s what you do off the court or playing field, not just on,” he said. Following these guidelines “will make you not just a good leader, but a good person as well.”

A highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of awards. The Junior Scholar-Athlete Award was presented to baseball player Ethan Ernst and the Senior Scholar Athlete Award was presented to football player Michael Rocco.

Nick Hilton received the Outstanding Senior Athlete Award. This award recognizes athletics performance, academic achievement and outstanding leadership. Hilton has earned honors in cross country and indoor and outdoor track, boasts a 3.031 GPA and is a campus leader.