Flushing, NY -- It has been quite a week for City College of New York indoor track and field sophomore Paul Dedewo. First, he spent Monday evening leading his team to its first CUNYAC title since 2007 while earning MVP honors of the meet, and earlier this afternoon, the standout was named the City University of New York Athletic Conference/Hospital For Special Surgery Scholar-Athlete of the Month for February 2011. Dedewo majors in Advertising and currently holds an impressive 3.55 GPA.
“Earning an accolade like this is definitely an honor,” the DeWitt Clinton High School product said. “There are so many student-athletes that work diligently in both their athletic and academic endeavors, and to be chosen for this award makes me very proud. I’d also like to thank my coaches for their guidance and assistance throughout the season, and hopefully after I finish this seasons strong, I can help the outdoor team win a championship as well.”
Dedewo – competing in his second year on CCNY’s indoor track and field team – had a tremendous season – and he isn’t done yet. His performances for the month of February were especially impressive. He competed in three meets for the month, including the DeSchriver Invitational back on Saturday, February 5, the Princeton Invitational on Saturday, February 19, and the CUNYAC Indoor Track and Field Championship on February 28th. At the Princeton Invitational, he qualified for ECAC’s in the 500-meter run with a time of 1:07.27. Then, at the conference championship meet at the New Balance Track and Field Center, Dedewo owned the night – as he was named a Co-MVP. He won the 200-meter dash with a time of 22.18 and the 400-meter dash with a score of 49.13. He also captured a silver medal in the 55-meter dash (6.90).
“Paul is such a competitor and such a leader,” CCNY head coach Hugh Reid said after learning that one of his standout men’s competitors was awarded the honor. “From day one, he committed himself to improving his times and helping this team win, and to do just that, while also excelling in his classes says a lot about his character and his dedication. I’m very proud of him.”
Dedewo will continue his season this weekend at the Eastern College Athletic Conference Division III Indoor Track and Field Championships at the New Balance Track and Field Center as he will compete on Saturday in the 200 and 400 meter events. He has provisionally qualified for the NCAA Division III Indoor Track and Field Championships as well (3/11-3/12), and depending on his performance in the 400 at ECAC’s, he could very well compete in that event on the National stage the following weekend.
In addition to establishing himself as a standout track and field performer and ace in the classroom, Dedewo also volunteers at a non-profit organization called “Camp Interactive” where he assists with marketing efforts. Also, he ushers at the Celestial Church of Christ in Brooklyn, NY.
-- CUNYAthletics.com --