The inaugural Hospital for Special Surgery/City University of New York Athletic Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Month winner of the 2008-09 academic year is somebody who has exhibited a strong work ethic in his sport, and continually improves athletically and in the classroom.
Brooklyn sophomore Arvind Badhey (Syosset, N.Y./Syosset) is the September 2008 recipient for the award, after besting his 8,000-meter cross country time in each of the Bridges' four races to date. He ran a season-best 30:18 time at the York Invitational (Sept. 28) on the prestigious Van Cortlandt Park course in the Bronx, and has placed fifth in three of his first four races of the campaign.
"Arvind is a special person," said Brooklyn head cross country coach, Steve Podias. "He sees everything as a challenge and works tirelessly to conquer that challenge; that work ethic rubs off on his teammates."
Badhey, who carries a 3.917 grade-point average (4.0 scale) in Brooklyn's extremely prestigious B.A.-M.D. pre-medicine program, has dropped his cross country time by nearly two minutes so far in 2008. What's more, he is not only a member of the Bridges' men's tennis team that posted an 11-3 record last spring, he also is part of Brooklyn's award-winning debate team.
"I don't know how he manages his time as effectively as he does," stated Podias. "He is studying to become a doctor, running every day, participates on the debate team - and he does it all without seeming to be stressed out. I am constantly amazed by what he accomplishes."
Many collegiate student-athletes find it easier to perform in the classroom because of the forced time-management skills that come from participating in sports; count Badhey among those who subscribe to that philosophy.
"It is an honor to receive such a prestigious award," said Badhey. "I probably would not be doing as well in school if I was not participating in athletics."
