Fairfax, Va.—Tyler Benson, a senior on the Patriots' men's track and field team, has earned the George Mason OrthoVirginia Student Achiever Award for his outstanding efforts in the classroom and out in the community.  
 
George Mason Director of Athletics Brad Edwards along with team physician Dr. Frank Pettrone presented the award to Benson at the George Mason men's basketball game against Saint Louis earlier tonight. 
 
Benson is a key leader in organizing Mason student involvement in the Fairfax community, including organizing the "Paint the City" event, as well as the "Adopt a School" program with his track and field team.

The Warrenton, Va., native is currently pursuing a degree in information technology with a concentration in information security. He has been a tremendous student-athlete, representing Mason on the highest of stages at the National Championship, as well as beating six Power-5 programs in the 4x400m relay at NCAA Regionals. He is a six-time Atlantic-10 champion and a two-time NCAA qualifier. 

OrthoVirginia Student Achiever "Definition:
The OrthoVirginia Student Achiever Award has been put into place to recognize outstanding student athletes not just for their athletic performances. The student athlete can be recognized for anything that they have done that exceptional outside their playing field… whether it be community service, leadership on campus, consistent performance in the classroom, incredible attitude, recovering from a long injury, improvement on the field, etc.