INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – On Thursday, the Horizon League announced its annual winners of the Cecil N. Coleman Medal of Honor Awards, the most prestigious individual honor issued by the league. Cleveland State's Jackson Nester from the men's swimming team was the men's recipient, along with Oakland's Grace Nolan from the cross country & track & field program.

The Coleman Medal of Honor was introduced in 1981 and is presented annually to the top male and female student-athletes who demonstrate outstanding achievement in academics, athletics, and extracurricular activities.

"It is a great honor to receive this recognition from the Horizon League," said Nestor. "I am astounded to have been selected, as there are so many deserving athletes in this league."

Nester graduated in the Spring with Summa Cum Laude honors with a mechanical engineering technology degree and a minor in general business. The Blacksburg, Virginia, native accumulated a 3.86 GPA throughout his career and was a three-time Horizon League All-Academic honoree. In April, he was named the Horizon League Winter Scholar-Athlete of the Season.

"Attending Cleveland State opened up so many opportunities to grow and explore both as an athlete and in the classroom," said Nester. "CSU laid an excellent foundation for me as a student, athlete, and overall human being. The academic & athletic staff, from my coaches and advisors to my professors, have helped me tremendously in making my accomplishments possible."

In the pool, Nester was a four-time Horizon League Champion in the 400-yard IM, setting a new school record in the event each year. He reached the podium nine times in his career and scored in every individual event at the #HLSD Championships.

"I appreciate all the Horizon League has done, as it has provided me with so many great athletic and academic opportunities," said Nester. "The Horizon League sets an example of the importance of academics while also encouraging students to succeed in their own sport. Both Cleveland State University and the Horizon League, I believe, have prepared me for my future."

Nester becomes the fourth Viking to receive this honor and the second on the men's side, with the previous going to Dmitri Ponomarev (1998-99). The women winners were Anna Brandt (2020-21) and Grace Luginbuhl (2005-06).

"Jackson is one of the hardest-working individuals that I've ever gotten to coach and someone that holds himself to incredibly high standards both in the pool and out of it," said Head Coach Trent Richardson. "Jackson is incredibly thoughtful in his everyday actions, and if you had a chance to speak with him, you would hear someone who is very considerate and provides so many examples of humility and passion. Jackson is a great swimmer, yes, but even more than that, he's an exceptional human being - if I had to guess, I'd say the latter existed first and is what has led him to be so immensely successful."

Nester is currently working in Salem, Virginia, for Wabtec, which is a global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and services for the freight rail, transit, mining, industrial, and marine industries.

"Lastly, I would like to thank my parents for sacrificing so much time and energy to allow me to actively pursue my goals," said Nester. "They are my people and have always been there for me. Thank you, very humbly, for this honor."