David Lerner Named a 2012 Uplifting Athlete Rare Disease Champion Finalist
Wednesday, January 25, 2012 | Football
University of Florida punter David Lerner (Gainesville, Fla.) has been named one of four finalists for the 2012 Uplifting Athlete Rare Disease Champion Award, the Uplifting Athletes foundation announced today.
Lerner, who received the Dick Schapp Sportsman of the Year Award in December, saw action in six games for the Gators, recording 27 punts for 1,040 yards (38.5 yards per punt). Additionally, Lerner has landed seven punts inside opponents' 20-yard line.
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.
The 4rd annual award winner will be determined by an online vote beginning Wednesday, February 1st and ending February 26th. The Champion will be announced at the National Institute of Heath in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, February 29th. Presentation of the sculpture to the winner will be determined at a later date. Previous winners include American Football Coaches Association Executive Director, Grant Teaff (2009); Dickinson College Quarterback, Ian Mitchell (2010) and Princeton Running Back Jordan Culbreath (2011).
To read each finalist's personal story and connection to the rare disease community as well as to cast your vote for this year's Champion, log onto: www.upliftingathletes.org/vote.
