ONEONTA, N.Y. - Following a stellar indoor season, Oneonta men's track & field junior Kejhaune Lester (Castleton, NY/Columbia) becomes the second Red Dragon in program history to be named the SUNYAC Rookie of the Year. Lester was the conference champion in one event and scored in another. The award was nominated and voted on by the 12 conference coaches.

"We are thrilled for KJ to win the SUNYAC Rookie of the Year award," said Oneonta track & field head coach Chris Wilber. "He is a very motivated and hard-working individual and deserves the accomplishment."

Lester won the 60-meter prelims at a personal best of 6.83 at the SUNYAC Indoor Track & Field Championships. A time that ranks third in Oneonta program history. He then placed first in the finals with a time of 6.85. Additionally, Lester finished fourth in the 200-meter at 22.26 after running a personal record of 22.23 in the prelims. He was named the Co-Rookie of the Meet at the league championship after tying for the most overall points at the meet among freshmen. 

Lester took first in the 60-meter dash in four meets this past season. He opened the year by winning the event at the Utica Holiday Classic with a 6.91. He then placed first at the Ithaca Quad Meet at 6.97 and took first at the Ithaca Bomber Invitational at 6.87. Lester qualified for the AARTFC Championships and finished first in the prelims at 6.85.  

Oneonta opens the outdoor track & field season on Friday, March 27, at the Ramapo College Invitational.