Lerner to Receive Dick Schaap Sportsman of the Year Award
Monday, November 7, 2011 | Football
University of Florida senior punter David Lerner (Gainesville, Fla.) will receive the Dick Schapp Sportsman of the Year Award, an honor given by the Greater New York Chapter of the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA).
Lerner will receive the award at the 44th Annual Memorial Awards Dinner in New York on Dec. 7. Previous winners of the award include: Tommy Lasorda, Hall of Fame Manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Bill France, Commissioner of Nascar, Tim Finchem, Commissioner of the PGA, and Joe Torre, former New York Yankees manager.
“Most people have no idea how difficult it is to deal with this painful and debilitating disease,” said Rhondell Domilici, Executive Director of the Greater New York Chapter of CCFA. “We are thrilled to honor David Lerner with this award. David's strength and courage in the face of adversity is an inspiration to the 1.5 million Americans suffering from Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. His determination is a true example of sportsmanship.”
Lerner was diagnosed with Crohn's disease in July, just weeks before beginning fall training camp with the Florida football team. Despite losing nearly 15 pounds and having to receive IV treatments he didn't miss a practice during fall camp. He eventually went on to win the starting punting job and was awarded a scholarship in August.
Lerner, who was recently named a nominee for the Discover Orange Bowl Courage Award, has seen action in six games for the Gators, recording 24 punts for 919 yards (38.3 yards per punt). Additionally, Lerner has landed seven punts inside opponents' 20-yard line.
The Annual Memorial Awards Dinner, which will be held on Dec. 7, 2011 at the Sheraton Hotel on 7th Ave. in New York, raises funds for the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.ccfanydinner.com/.
