To his friends and teammates he is known as "Lenny," but those who do not know him call him Leonard. Senior runner Andrew Leonard, a 22-year old graduate student, has come a long way from the small town of Spencerport, N.Y. to achieve athletic and academic awards at the University of Buffalo.
Born August 26, 1984, as the son of Peter and Yolanda Leonard, Leonard picked up his love for running from his father, who was also a cross-country runner. While growing up in Spencerport, Leonard would run with his father who was a cross-country great during his time.
"I would go to running camps when I was younger during the summer periods and just practice," Leonard said. "I wish I could run faster, but I find myself being able to run longer distances. As I got older I liked running cross-country, that's all I know."
After earning All-Greater Rochester honors for his performance as a member of Churchville-Chili High School during his junior year, and also Section V all-star honors during his sophomore and senior seasons. The cross-country runner was a member of the swim and volleyball teams. Leonard later found Buffalo to be the best option for him with the athletic and academic conditions that favored him. Although Leonard admits he did not take school seriously his freshman year at Buffalo, he has earned academic honors throughout his college career.
"I never really took myself too seriously freshman year," Leonard said. "I played too much video games and did not do enough work."
Leonard, who is working on his joint masters in business administration and his undergraduate degree in engineering, is set to graduate this May. Leonard hasn't really had time for anything else in his life, because of his classes and his part-time job with a mechanical company in project management.
Leonard has made the dean's list the past few years despite his busy academic and athletic schedule. In 2004 Leonard finished the 8k at the Paul Short Invitational with a top school time of 26:49.10. He also placed 15th in the 10,000m and 20th in the 5,000m at the 2005 MAC Outdoor Championship.
Although the cross-country team is not at it's full potential, Leonard would like to see them succeed and improve more.
"I think we are doing well this year," Leonard said. "I like to see everyone succeed and train and practice hard."
Leonard is a laid back, logical and efficient type of person. In his free time he likes bike riding and swimming. His father, who makes the drive down to Buffalo to support his home games, is a proud parent and is happy to see himself in his son.
Family is a very important aspect in Leonard's life. His sister attends the Monroe Community College, and keeps close contact with him. Leonard's mother, who usually volunteers for community services, is a strong supporter of his achievements.
After Leonard graduates in May, he would eventually like to start his own business, but for now he hopes to keep on running and go wherever that takes him.
Although it may take time for him to establish it, Leonard wouldn't mind getting a job in the engineering field when he graduates and gain experience in the job force before hand.
"If I could go back I would want to learn more as a person and get the whole college experience," Leonard said. "But in the end I think it would all be worth the classes and hard work I've put in."
