by COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho — Nominees from Lewis-Clark State College pocketed awards in three of the four collegiate categories Saturday night at the 53rd Annual North Idaho Sports Banquet. The Warrior winners included former track standout Chelsey Leighton (Nez Perce), the men’s basketball team and coach Brandon Rinta.
Leighton received the award for Female College Athlete of the Year after winning the national championship in the marathon as a senior. The Lapwai High product completed the 26.2-mile race in 3 hours, 2 minutes and 25.10 seconds, finishing more than six minutes ahead of the rest of the field.
Her victory in Gulf Shores, Ala., in May 2014 secured the fourth national title in the history of LCSC’s track and field program. She became just the second Warrior female to capture an NAIA crown and the sixth to earn All-American status in the marathon.
Proud Mom & Dad, but we know how long and hard she’s worked for this moment!
I got to be there for her award night with Mom, grandma Rosa. Proud of you niece Chelsey.
Auntie Angel