RIVERDALE, N.Y. - Anthony Vega (Indoor Track & Field/Baseball) and Lindsey Loutsenhizer (Basketball) received the inaugural Manhattan College Men's and Women's Student-Athlete of the Year awards at the Manhattan Athletic Department's 72nd Annual Block M Dinner on Wednesday night.
More than 300 student-athletes in the College's 19 Division I sports were recognized for their achievement during the 2011-12 season at the annual awards dinner, which was held in Smith Auditorium. In addition, each team honored its Most Outstanding Performer and M Jasper Academic Award winner.
Earning Most Outstanding Performer honors among the men's teams were: Vega (Baseball), George Beamon (Basketball), Billy Wilkens (Cross Country), Albert Johnson III (Indoor Track & Field), Roman Ewald (Outdoor Track & Field), Matthew Creamer (Golf), Mike Brooks (Lacrosse), Christopher Holihan (Soccer) and Robert Varieur (Swimming). Joining Loutsenhizer as Most Outstanding Performers on the women's side were: Maria Jangsten (Cross Country), Andrea Nyback (Indoor Track & Field), Cara Rostant (Outdoor Track & Field), Elizabeth Dugan (Lacrosse), Kara Davis (Soccer), Kate Bowen (Softball), Bridget Latino (Swimming), Lili Johnson (Tennis) and Malia McGuinness (Volleyball).
The M Jasper Academic Award goes to senior student-athletes who have the highest cumulative GPA on their respective teams. Recipients of that award included Matt Troisi (Baseball), Liam McCabe-Moran (Men's Basketball), Alyssa Herrington (Women's Basketball), Tom Daly (Men's Cross Country), Ewald (Men's Indoor & Outdoor Track & Field), Jangsten (Women's Cross Country & Outdoor Track & Field), Heidy Palacios (Women's Indoor Track & Field), Robert Kehoe (Men's Golf & Swimming), Steve Harvey (Men's Lacrosse), BrieAnna Spatarella (Women's Lacrosse), Deia Nassar (Men's Soccer), Megan Lavecchia (Women's Soccer), Kelly Murray (Softball), Mary Kate O'Leary (Women's Swimming), Christina Ton (Women's Tennis) and Jackie Aldrich (Volleyball).
The Comeback Player of the Year Award, which is presented by team doctors Anthony Maddalo, Gregg Cavaliere and Nicole Solomos on behalf of Hudson Valley Bone and Joint Surgeons, went to men's basketball player Roberto Colonette. This award recognizes a student-athlete who was injured last season, but worked their way back to full competition through perseverance and dedication to rehabilitation. Hudson Valley Bone and Joint Surgeons made a $2,000 donation in Colonette's name to the Manhattan College Athletic Training Room, which will be used to purchase rehabilitation equipment and help future student-athletes overcome significant injuries.
Director of Student Development Elaine T. White was presented with the Junius Kellogg Distinguished Service Award by Athletic Director Bob Byrnes. This award goes to a leader in the Manhattan community who stands for integrity and serves as a role model for student-athletes. Senior track & field athlete Deena Sena was also presented with a special award for her leadership on the Student Athlete Advisory Committee.
In addition, 30 senior student-athletes were presented with pins recognizing their selection to the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) All-Academic Team at least once during their careers.
