Publish Date: Aug 5, 2015
Hartnell’s Diego Leon Celebrated at Trustees’ Meeting
SALINAS, Calif. – It was a historic day yesterday, August 4, 2015 when Diego Leon was recognized as the first Hartnell Community College District’s first student-athlete to be awarded the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) and the California Community College Sports Information Association 2014-15 Male Athlete of the Year.
During the regular board of trustees meeting, Superintendent/President, Dr. Willard Lewallen and Board of Trustees President, Elia Gonzalez-Castro presented Diego Leon with a plaque of recognition for this and other achievements. Leon has received many accolades, including:
- 2014/2015 State Cross Country Individual Champion
- 2015 Conference Champion in the 1,500, 5,000, and 10,000 meters
- 2015 NorCal Community College Track Athlete of the Year
- CCCAA Athlete of the Month May 2015
- Holds Hartnell Record in the 5,000-meter run
- Won all but one race in the last Cross Country Season
In addition, Diego Leon received Certificates and Proclamations from Congressman Sam Farr, Assembly member Luis Alejo, Mayor of Salinas, Joe Gunter, and Senator Bill Monning (mailed). His parents Elizabeth and Pete Leon and grandma, Patricia Ketchum were present to celebrate and witness Leon’s appreciation and recognition from the college community.
“Coach Chris Zepeda changed our lives two years ago when he made contact,” shared Leon’s mother, Elizabeth Leon. “He was so clear in the goals he had for Diego and the fact that he believed in him and had the desire to take him under his wing was so special to us.”
Zepeda was not present at the meeting for he was receiving the CCCAA Coach of the Year Award for Women’s Cross Country in Las Vegas but sent a comment saying, “I'm very proud of all that Diego has accomplished both academically and athletically while at Hartnell College. His sophomore year was near perfect and was accomplished with daily work that was as seamless as an athlete strives for."
Diego Leon grew up in Hollister and graduated from Anzar High School in San Juan Bautista. He began running his junior year. Leon is attending Montana State University on a scholarship majoring in Civil Engineering. He is excited to join the Division 1 team there and break the school’s record, just as Alumnus Cristian Soratos did earlier in the year. Alumni Leon, Soratos, and Austin Decker will be roommates in the fall 2015 semester.
Hartnell Community College District
The Hartnell CCD serves over 16,000 students annually through its main campus in Salinas, the Alisal Campus in East Salinas, the King City Education Center, and various outreach learning centers throughout the Salinas Valley. Hartnell College, a Hispanic Serving Institution, provides workforce training, basic skills courses, and prepares students for transfer to four-year colleges and universities. Hartnell College is recognized for its innovative public and private partnerships that support world class STEM education, career technical education, fine and performing arts, humanities, and athletics. We are growing leaders through opportunity, engagement, and achievement. For more about Hartnell CCD, visit www.hartnell.edu.
###