Dec. 20, 2004
Junior cross country runner Kerry Barba and junior men's soccer standout T.J. Helly were honored today as the November recipients of the Leo Dufort Student Athlete of the Month Award. The award is presented nine times annually to individuals who have excelled in the classroom and on the playing field.
"Kerry and T.J. are tremendous examples of students who have taken advantage of every opportunity Siena has presented them," Director of Athletics John D'Argenio noted. "Both have met and exceeded all the challenges that go along with balancing academic schedules and team participation. They have emerged as role models for their teammates, demonstrating that excellence on the playing field and in the classroom does not have to be mutually exclusive."
Barba, a junior from Lloyd Harbor, N.Y., boasts a 3.99 GPA in biology--the highest for any senior athlete. She has improved tremendously throughout her cross country career at Siena, and this fall, was among the Siena runners to qualify for a trip to the MAAC Championships at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Fla. 
"Kerry works hard at everything she does, so it is no wonder she has enjoyed such success on the course and in the classroom," cross country head coach Jim Bowles said. "I am confident she will take this work ethic with her throughout her life, where she is destined to enjoy greater successes."
Helly, who hails Carmel, N.Y., holds a 3.34 GPA as an accounting major. On the soccer field, the junior defender finished second on the team with three goals (and third on the squad with six points), while marking some of the top opposition in the league.
"The commitment T.J. clearly shows to his studies I witness each day at practice," head men's soccer coach Charlie Curto said. "He is the type of player a coach loves to have, and he has improved tremendously since he arrived at Siena."
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.
