Brandon Receives America East Sportsmanship Award

University of Hartford senior Kevin Brandon, a member of the Hawks' cross country and track & field teams, was named one of two America East Sportsmanship Award winners for the 2011-12 season, as announced by the league at its annual awards dinner in Annapolis, Md.

Brandon was the male recipient of the award, while the Boston University women's soccer team earned the award on the women's side.

The senior from Lewisberry, Pa., earned the award after giving up his spot on the Hawks' 4x800-meter relay team at the 2012 New England Championships in May. Brandon, a team captain, gave his spot to a sophomore to help the Hawks build continuity and gain experience for future seasons.

The New England Championship was Brandon's final collegiate meet.

“Kevin does everything the right way,” said track & field assistant coach Mike DuPaul. “His spirit and selfless actions were the catalysts for much of our team's success this year. Kevin's impact on Hartford will be felt well beyond his graduation because everyone has learned from the example he set as a leader and teammate. We are very proud that his sportsmanlike actions have been noticed and recognized by the America East Conference.”

In his final season as a Hawk, Brandon set the school record in the 1,500 meters, covering the distance in 4:00.36 at the UMass Invitational in April. Senior teammate Andrew Chalmers broke that record later in the spring season. Brandon also set personal-best marks in the 400 meters (53.51), 800 meters (1:56.40) and 5,000 meters (15:28.31) during the outdoor season.

Brandon is the fifth Hawk to win an America East Sportsmanship Award and the third member of Hartford track & field to earn the honor. He is the first Hawk to be recognized for his sportsmanship since volleyball's Lindsay Makowicki earned the distinction in 2010. Men's tennis player Rich Lieberman won the award in 2009 while Latasha Jarrett earned the Award in 2008. Chris Spivey won the inaugural America East Sportsmanship Award in 2006. Both Jarrett and Spivey were members of the track & field teams at the University of Hartford.