Concordia Clippers

2009-2010 Athletics Awards Banquet

The 2009-2010 Concordia College Clippers Athletics Awards Banquet was held on the evening of Friday, April 23, 2010 in Schoenfeld Hall on the Concordia College campus.

The theme for the evening was Celebrate. Celebrate; the schools centennial (100 years) in Bronxville, NY; the school itself with its traditions; the new conference, the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC); the champions past, present and the future ones to come; the commitment from the Student-Athletes; and of course all the Clippers.

The athletes were recognized team by team and their triumphs highlighted. In addition to each teams recognition, nine awards were handed to Student-Athletes who represent the highest standards in several areas. Awards are given to the Male and Female Freshman of the Year, the Male and Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year, the Director of Athletics Award, the Ester Petzke Rockhill Award in Women's Athletics and the Mickey Byrne Award in Men's Athletics.

Below are the winners of the awards.

Female Freshman of the Year

This award is given to the female freshman athlete that best exemplifies the characteristics of a Student-Athlete. This year's recipient is Yuliya Plevako of the Women's Tennis Team. Plevako helped lead the Clippers to their first CACC Women's Tennis Championship and a berth into the 2010 NCAA Division II Women's Tennis Tournament in May. The Clippers finished their season with a 15-1 overall record and an undefeated 8-0 CACC record. Plevako went 15-1 in singles play, including 3-0 at the number one spot where she helped lead the Clippers in the Championship match. Plevako was named to the 2009 All-CACC Women's Tennis Team.

Male Freshman of the Year

This award is given to the male freshman athlete that best exemplifies the characteristics of a Student-Athlete.

This year's first recipient is Andreas Lindell of the Men's Tennis Team. Lindell was a force to be recogned with on the court as the Clippers headed to their first CACC Championship and their 14th berth into the NCAA Division II Men's Tennis Tournament in May. Lindell went 16-2 in singles and 19-4 in doubles this season. Lindell earned three CACC Rookie of the Week awards throughout the season as well as being named the ITA East Region Rookie of the Year.

This year's second recipient is Argelix Gil from the Men's Basketball Team. Gil played a dominate role as a starting forward for the Clippers. With leading the team as he put up 400 points and 235 rebounds (second on the team behind Will Eason). Gil helped lead the team in the inaugural year in the CACC as the team missed playoffs by one game.

Female Scholar Athlete Award

This award is given to the Senior Female Student-Athlete with the highest overall GPA. This year's recipient is Emily Ringelberg from the Women's Cross-Country. With improved times this season Ringelberg helped lead the Cross-Country Team in its first year in the CACC. With a perfect 4.0 GPA, Emily will be graduating with a degree in Biology.

Male Scholar Athlete Award

This award is given to the Senior Male Student-Athlete with the highest overall GPA. This year's recipient is Anthony Carnacchio of the Men's Baseball Team. Carnacchio leads the Clippers so far this year in walks and in hit by pitches. A starting outfielder for the Clippers Carnacchio has recorded 85 put outs as he hits .253 overall as the Clippers work toward a playoff berth. Not only is Carnacchio a four year member of the Baseball team but is an inaugural member of the Clipper Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and has been an active member since the beginning. Anthony is studying Psychology and Sociology as he holds a 3.53 GPA currently.

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Director of Athletics Award

The Director of Athletics Award is an award that is given out annually to the Student-Athlete who best embodies the characteristics of hard work, sacrifice, dedication and a fighting Clipper spirit.

This year's first recipient is Dana Rommel of the Women's Basketball Team. Rommel worked hard as she and her teammates entered into the new season with a new coach and in a new conference. Rommel led the team with 374 points as she also hit her 1,000th career point.

This year's second recipient is Kenny Gaskins of the Men's Basketball Team. Gaskins set out as the team took on a new coach with a new direction in a new conference and by the end of the season he became a leader on and off the court. Gaskins led the team in assists and steals this season and also put up his 1,000th career point.

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Esther Petzke Rockhill Award in Women's Athletics

This award is given to the female athlete who best exemplifies the characteristics of hard work, determination, excellence, and sportsmanship. This year's winner is Cristina Oliveira of the Women's Tennis Team. Oliveira was an instrumental part of the tennis teams success this season as she led her team to their first CACC Women's Tennis Team Championship and was also named CACC Player of the Year and the ITA East Region Senior Player of the Year. Oliveira and her doubles partner Ola Roberts not only succeeded with the team as a whole by also as they won the ITA East Region in doubles and finished 5th in the National Tournament. Oliveira will lead the team as they go on the quest for an NCAA Title in the NCAA Division II Tournament in May.

Pictured above: Cristina Oliveira and Daniel Rockhill (son of Ester Petzke Rockhill)

Mickey Byrne Award in Men's Athletics

This award is given to the male athlete who best exemplifies the characteristics of hard work, determination, excellence, and sportsmanship. This year's recipient is Alex Grubin of the Men's Tennis Team. He was named CACC Player of the Week as well as the ITA East Region Senior Player of the Year and the ITA National Senior Player of the Year. The #1 player in the East Region, Grubin has helped lead the Clippers to their first CACC Men's Tennis Championship along with their 14th berth into the NCAA Division II Tournament. Grubin led his team back to the NCAA Division II Tournament as they made their way through the Regional section of the tournament and back to the Final Four.