2008-2009 Athletics Awards Banquet
The 2008-2009 Concordia College Athletics Awards Banquet was held on the evening of Thursday, April 23, 2009 in Schoenfeld Hall on the campus of Concordia College in Bronxville, NY. The yearly event is held in honor of the student-athletes to thank them for their commitment and hard work to Concordia College. The athletes are recognized team by team and their accomplishments are highlighted. In addition, seven awards are given to student-athletes who represent the highest standard in several areas. Awards are given to the Male and Female Freshman of the Year, the Male and Female Scholar-Athletes of the Year, the Director of Athletics Award, the Esther Petzke Rockhill Award in Women's Athletics and the Mickey Byrne Award in Men's Athletics.
For photos of the 2009 Athletics Awards banquet, click HERE.
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 Maria Ortiz from the women's tennis team. Ortiz helped the Clippers to the 2008 East Coast Conference Women's Tennis Championships and a berth in the 2009 NCAA Division II Women's Tennis Championships in May. The Clippers finished the 2008-2009 season with a 14-2 overall record, including an undefeated 11-0 fall season. Ortiz went 15-1 in doubles competition this season and also posted a 11-3 singles record. The freshman wass also named the 2008 East Coast Conference Women's Tennis Rookie of the Year and was voted on the All-Confreence Second 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 recipient is Andrey Boldarev of the men's tennis team. Boldarev was instrumental in the Clippers winning the 2009 East Coast Conference Men's Tennis Championship and an automatic berth in the NCAA Division II Men's Tennis Championships in May. Boldarev went 23-3 in singles matches and 21-4 in doubles play so far this season. The freshman was named the ECC Men's Tennis Rookie of the Year and was voted All-Conference First Team. Boldarev won the No. 2 singles flight at the Army Invitational and the No. 3 singles flight at The Scott Satran Memorial Tournament back in September. Boldarev and teammate Alex Grubin are currently the No. 24 ranked doubles team in NCAA Division II Men's Tennis.
Female Scholar Athlete Award
This award is given to the senior female student-athlete with the highest overall GPA. This year's recipient is Tita Kiss from the women's tennis team. Tita helped the Clippers win the 2008 East Coast Conference Women's Tennis Championship and an automatic berth in the 2009 NCAA Division II Women's Tennis Championships in May. Kiss posted a 10-6 record in doubles matches and an 8-7 record in singles play so far this season. Tita is majoring in Social Sciences and carries a 3.80 GPA.
Male Scholar Athlete Award
This award is given to the senior male student-athlete with the highest overall GPA. This year's recipient is Henning Ruenz from the men's tennis team. Ruenz played a vital role in Concordia winning the 2009 East Coast Conference Men's Tennis Championship and a berth in the 2009 NCAA Division II Men's Tennis Championships in May. Ruenz compiled an impressive 18-3 regular season singles record and a 21-2 doubles record. Ruenz, along with Richard Malobicky, took home the No. 2 doubles championship at The Scott Satran Memorial Tournament. Ruenz is currently ranked No. 11 in singles play in the NCAA East Region. Ruenz is studying Business Administration, Business & CIS and has a 3.95 GPA.
Director of Athletics Award
The Director of Athletics Award is a new award that will be given out annually to the student-athlete who best embodies the characteristics of hard work, sacrifice, dedication and a fighting Clipper spirit. This year recipient's are Robert Gorvetzian, Greg Conway, T.J. Walsh, Anthony Carnacchio and Joe Vaskas from the baseball team. These 5 individuals were influential in the hiring of head baseball coach Craig Everett this past summer.. They met with each candidate that was brought in and spent countless hours in assisting Director of Athletics Ivan Marquez in the search for their future head coach.
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 Somadi Druker from the women's tennis team. Druker was a key instrument in the women's tennis team's success and winning the 2009 East Coast Conference Women's Tennis Championship and an automatic berth in the 2009 NCAA Division II Women's Tennis Championships in May. Druker was named to the All-Conference First Team this season. Druker concluded an incredible season with a 15-0 singles record and a 14-1 doubles mark.
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 Stefan Dimitrov from the men's soccer team. Dimitrov turned in a brilliant senior season with the Clippers and finished the 2008 regular season with the most goals scored (23) in the NCAA Division II. Dimitrov was voted to the 2008 Daktronics NCAA Division II Men's Soccer All-America Second Team and finished the year ranked No. 1 in goals per game (1.35) and No. 2 in points per game (2.76). Dimitrov was also named the East Coast Conference 2008 Men's Soccer Offensive Player of the Year and to the 2008 East Coast Conference Scholar Athlete Honor Roll. The forward recently signed a contract with the Chicago Fire of Major League Soccer (MLS).
