Jon Leathers

May 20, 2008

GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Soccer All-American Jon Leathers was recognized as 2008 Furman Unviersity Male Athlete of the Year at the school's annual men's athletic banquet held on campus Tuesday evening.

Leathers, who captured same award a year ago, is the first student-athlete to win the prestigious honor twice. A four-time All-Southern Conference selection and two-time league player of the year pick, the star defender captured both NSCAA and College Soccer News All-America honors after leading Furman to SoCon regular season and tournament championships and NCAA Tournament appearance in 2007.

He was selected to the United States Under-23 National Team and is currently training with the U.S. squad in France in an effort to win a spot on the team for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China. A second round selection of the Kansas City Wizards in January's MLS Draft, he earned starts in his first two matches with the club.

Also recognized at the banquet were football wide receiver Joe Watson, who captured Furman's 2008 Academic Achievement Award, and most valuable players for several of Furman's eight men's sports.

2008 Furman Male Athlete of the Year: Jon Leathers

2008 Furman Academic Achievement Award: Joe Watson

Men's Tennis MVP: Andy Juc & Bo Ladyman

Men's Golf: Ben Goforth

Men's Soccer: Jon Leathers & Eliot Paschalis

Men's Cross Country: Patrick Morgan

Men's Track: Patrick