Oct. 19, 2004
The Siena athletic department released its recipients of the September Leo Dufort Student-Athlete of the Month award today, distinguishing sophomore volleyball player Christie Gustafson and junior cross country standout Andrew Knipfing.
"Christie and Andrew have demonstrated the ability to balance athletics and academics at the highest level," Director of Athletics John D'Argenio noted. "Given the exceptional performance of our student-athletes across the board, they should take great pride in this significant achievement."
Gustafon, who now carries a 3.67 cumulative grade point average (GPA) as a marketing and management major, enjoyed a spectacular month on the hardwood for the 7-11 Saints. She currently leads Siena with 3.7 kills and 3.4 digs per game. For her efforts earlier in the month, she was named to the All-Tournament Team at the Orange Classic hosted by Syracuse University on September 14. Gustafson was also since honored as the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the week (10/11).
"Christie is a tireless worker who will be a key to any success we have as the season winds down," noted Head Coach Garvey Pierre. "She is enjoying a tremendous season on the court, and her academic success speaks for itself." Knipfing, a junior who boasts a 3.88 cumulative grade point average (GPA) as a Psychology major, has emerged as one of the top runners for the resurgent men's cross country program. In the Saints recent meet victory at Fairfield, Knipfing sprinted to a 14th place finish individually. He also scored in the Syracuse Invitational, placing 21st overall and fourth among Siena's runners.
"Andrew is the type of student-athlete coaches dream of having on their teams," Head Coach Jim Bowles said. "His competitive spirit carries over to everything he does, so it is no surprise he has performed so well in the classroom as well."
"It is with a great deal of pleasure and pride I present Andrew and Christie as this year's first recipients of the Leo-Dufort student-athlete of the month award," Athletic Academic Advisor Sue Yund said. "Andrew and Christie define what it means to be collegiate student-athletes at Siena College. Acting as role models for their fellow teammates, each encompass a unique sense of discipline, which is evident in their work ethic in the classroom and during competition."
The Leo Dufort student-athlete of the month award is presented nine times annually to Siena athletes who excel on the playing fields and in the classroom.
