American Hebrew Academy Student Matt Von Ende of Leawood, Kansas Named to All-Conference Cross-Country Team

GREENSBORO, NC (02/02/2011)(readMedia)-- The American Hebrew Academy is proud to announce that senior Matt Von Ende of Leawood, Kansas was recently named to the Triad Athletic Conference's All-Conference Cross-Country Team. This honor ranks Matt among the area's elite cross-country runners for the 2010-2011 school year.

Matt was recognized for his accomplishment along with 44 other All-Conference male runners as they competed in the Conference Finals race, which was held on October 21st at the Carolina Friends School in Durham, North Carolina.

Academy Cross-Country Coach Tom Christopher praised Matt for his valuable experience and strong leadership on the squad. "Matt put in a strong season, and he was a natural leader for the other runners," Christopher commented. "He is quite dedicated at his age, having already trained for and run in a marathon."

Matt represented the Academy well as he placed no lower than 12th in each of his regular season races, including coming in 6th place in his first race of the year. He went on to finish 9th out of 45 runners in the Conference Finals, where he set a personal record with a time of 20 minutes 11 seconds.

"My favorite thing about racing for AHA is the pride that comes from wearing the jersey and representing my school as a competitive runner," Matt explained. But Matt expressed that the Academy, America's only Jewish pluralistic college prep boarding school, provided him with much more than a sport. "Running is my method of clearing my head after a long and busy day. It gives me time to think things through during difficult times. And, of course, it serves to keep me in shape."

As a senior, Matt has grown into the role of leader and mentor for the other runners on the team, but he was able to benefit from their presence as well. "Being a part of the cross country team has taught me that the support of a team really can make the difference between winning and losing. Dedication, hard work, and going that extra mile really can determine whether you fall short in disappointment or achieve that goal you set for yourself."

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About the American Hebrew Academy

The American Hebrew Academy, America's premier Jewish pluralistic college prep boarding school serves students from 28 states and 13 countries. The state-of-the-art environment fosters academic achievement and strengthens Jewish identity in a residential setting for motivated and high achieving students in grades nine through twelve. The dual curriculum, along with the aquatics center and sports complex, provides a holistic educational experience-nurturing mind, body, and soul. An internationally acclaimed faculty challenges students to excel in a rigorous program that includes Advanced Placement and Jewish studies courses. At the Academy, values and leadership skills are enriched by the culture, customs, and history of the Jewish people. Students graduate thoroughly prepared for college and ready to make a meaningful impact on the world. For more information about the Academy, please visit www.americanhebrewacademy.org.