When senior Leonel Manzano departs from The University of Texas, he leaves a legacy in Men's Track and Field that no one else may ever duplicate.

Or even come close.

The fastest miler in UT history, Manzano owns three Longhorns' records, as well as being a member of the world record-breaking indoor distance medley relay team. He is a nine-time Big 12 champion and a six-time All-America.

Senior Associate Athletics Director for Student Services Dr. Randa Ryan sees "Leo" as even more than all of that.

"He is such a pleasure to work with," Ryan said after Manzano was selected as the Male Student-Athlete of the Month for March.

"Leo has a positive attitude and a strong commitment to be a great student, great athlete and a great person," she added. "Leo has excelled in school, as well as his sport. He is a wonderful example of a model student-athlete."

The Marble Falls, Texas, resident is a Spanish major and a Portuguese minor.

He also was the recipient of the Athletics Director Award in 2005 and was accorded the Texas Aguila Award in 2006.

Last year, Manzano earned a spot on the Big 12 Commissioner's Honor Roll.

Away from UT, Manzano has been a member of HYPE (Hispanic Youth Promoting Excellence) and PAL (Peer Assistance & Leadership).

"The University and the athletics program are fortunate to have a student like Leo," Ryan said. "He is going to have a chance to make the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team. I know I speak for many when I say that Leo is one-of-a-kind."