Former Rebel honors UNLV student-athletes

Now that he has been on both sides, Leon Symanski has no problem presenting himself as a role model.

The former UNLV forward, who was a member of the 1987 Final Four basketball team, challenged his alma mater's brightest student-athletes to follow his lead and make education their priority for the future.

Speaking at Monday's 20th annual Scholar-Athlete Honors Luncheon at the Richard Tam Alumni Center, Symanski reminded those in attendance that learning is an ongoing process and making and taking advantage of opportunities is what drives success.

"I remember sitting where they were and listening to someone speak about opportunities," he said. "I've been able to take advantage of the opportunities I've had and I challenged myself and I challenge them to follow my lead."

Symanski, 35, who works for the law firm of Craig Kenny and Associates, is finishing up his first year as a member of the inaugural class of UNLV's law school. His attempt to pass the bar is a tougher challenge than trying to compete on the basketball court for Jerry Tarkanian in the mid-1980s.

"It's the most challenging thing I have ever undertaken," he said of law school. "But I feel great. I feel energized. I love the challenge."

Symanski was the first member of his family to graduate from college. That he graduated with honors made it that more special. And to be invited back to speak at a luncheon he had attended as a student had him brimming with pride.

"I love being a role model," said Symanski, who had 3.25 grade-point average in obtaining his bachelor's degree in 1987 and a 3.65 GPA in gaining his masters. "Attending this university changed my life. I don't think I'll ever want to leave Las Vegas."

He is scheduled to finish law school in the spring of 2001 and attempt to pass the bar shortly thereafter. Meanwhile, he is gaining invaluable practical experience working for Kenny's firm.

"He'll be successful because he's passionate and determined," Kenny said. "He has a good heart and this is something he wants to do. He wants to give back to the community."

Monday was the day UNLV honored its top 30 academic stars with Ryan Bledsoe of the men's soccer team and Susie Kocsis of women's tennis selected as this year's outstanding male and female student-athletes, respectively. In addition, 47 athletes earned WAC all-conference academic honors.

Symanski said he has tremendous respect for those current student-athletes. He has carried that same burden of trying to excel both on and off the field and he knows it's not an easy scale to balance.

"I wasn't a star basketball player," he said. "I was a role player. But basketball was very important to me. But so was school. I was fortunate to be able to do both well."

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