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Honors Continue as Nerdal is named C-USA Field Athlete of the Year
June 17, 2010
IRVING, Texas- University of Memphis senior thrower Steffen Nerdal added to his crowded trophy case on Thursday when he was named the Conference USA Field Athlete of the Year, an award he also received during this year’s indoor season for his efforts in the weight throw. The Bergen, Norway native placed first in both hammer and discus throws at the C-USA Outdoor Championships in May and recently ended his illustrious career at the NCAA Outdoor National Championships by becoming the University of Memphis track and field program’s first four-time All-American. “It is truly inspiring to be recognized,” Nerdal said. “I am very honored to receive this award from such a competitive conference.” During Nerdal’s time in Memphis he has become one of the University’s most decorated student-athletes by earning eight C-USA gold medals, four C-USA Performer of the Meet awards and five NCAA national qualifications. During his academic tenure he was named to the University Dean’s List, Tiger 3.0 Club, C-USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll and the 2008 C-USA All-Academic Team as well as earning the C-USA Spirit of Service award twice, for his involvement in the Memphis community.
Nerdal graduated in May boasting a 3.43 grade-point average with a degree in business administration and a minor in finance. “It is hard to sum up in words the impact that Steffen has made on this program and on this institution,” head coach Kevin Robinson said. “As a four time All-American and a two time NCAA runner up, I can safely say that Steffen is the most highly decorated track and field athlete to don the Memphis Tiger uniform. The fact that he is a graduate with honors of the business school and the two time recipient of the C-USA Spirit of Service Award, demonstrates the well roundedness of Steffen.” Now that his days of wearing the blue and grey are over, Steffen has set his sights to even loftier goals as he begins to pursue his professional throwing career, with aspirations of competing for his native Norway at the 2012 Olympics.
“Although Steffen has completed his collegiate career, he is not done. He will remain in Memphis and continue to build on the foundation that we have laid over the last four years. I look forward to continuing to coach Steffen and I believe that he will be in a position to represent the University of Memphis on the International level for many years to come,” Robinson stated.
“I hope my throwing career will continue to bring recognition to the University of Memphis,” Nerdal stated. “Once a Tiger, always a Tiger.”
2010 Conference USA Track and Field Athlete of the Year Honorees:
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Memphis Tigers
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