May 29, 2002

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Old Dominion University sophomore wrestler Derrell Lorthridge (Wilmington, DE.) is one of 282 NCAA student-athletes identified as current or future leaders on their campuses and in their communities and has been selected to participate in the sixth annual NCAA Foundation Leadership Conference this week at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex and the Coronado Springs Resort in Lake Buena Vista, FL.

The 2002 NCAA Foundation Leadership Conference is one of the largest non- competitive gatherings of NCAA student athletes. The conference was designed to enhance student-athletes' leadership and communication skills to enable them to become more effective leaders and motivators when they return to their campuses and in their communities.

The conference also provides them with exercises to enhance their decision-making and problem solving skills, and improve planning and priority management.

Student-athlete leaders were selected from a total of 1,183 nomination forms that were submitted by colleges and universities that participate in the NCAA CHAMPS/Life Skills Program. Student-athletes attending the leadership conference will represent 20 NCAA sports. During the conference, participants have the opportunity to discuss a variety of topics, such as issues that impact intercollegiate athletics and society; diversity, student-athlete welfare; social behavior; trust gaps between coaches, administrators and student-athletes; Title IX; NCAA rules; peer pressure; competition on religious holidays; and involvement in other college and university campus activities.

Lorthridge compiled a 20-13 overall record in the heavyweight division. He was 5-3 in CAA matches, placing second at the ODU Invitational, Wilkes Open and the Virginia Intercollegiate State Championships.