A fierce competitor who thrives in pressure situations.

That description aptly fits Bishop Chatard High School senior Todd Leone, and his personification of those traits is what led to his selection as The Star's 2006 City Male Athlete of the Year.

The fourth-place finisher in the 800 meters at the June 3 state meet with a personal-best of 1 minute, 54.69 seconds, Leone made an even bigger mark in the relays for the Trojans. With junior Andrew Poore and seniors Chris Dietrick and Seth Ball as partners, Leone anchored the state championship 3,200-meter relay in a state-meet record 7:41.56.

"Todd is an (unusual) athlete who has a rare combination of speed and endurance," Chatard track coach Dan Kinghorn said. "However, what makes him such a special athlete is his fierce competitiveness."

Leone displayed his team-first attitude by running open and relay events ranging from the 100 to the 1,600, including a 4:24 leg on a 6,400-meter relay that ran 17:32.42, fourth-fastest in the nation this season.

The 5-8, 160-pound athlete also took a multitasking approach to football, where he was an all-state defensive back and also contributed as punter, kick returner and occasional running back. He was considered the "heart" of the 2005 team that posted a 12-3 record. He was a part of teams that went 37-7 and won three regionals, two semistates and one state title.

In two seasons as a starting cornerback, he recorded 141 tackles, three fumble recoveries and 10 interceptions, returning one for a touchdown. He also had one kick-return TD.

"Todd is someone who played with every piece of potential he's got," Chatard football coach Vince Lorenzano said. "Sometimes when you don't have the size and weight, you make a conscious decision to achieve. That's what he did."

Owner of a 3.19 grade-point average, Leone plans to attend Indiana University, where he will continue his running career.