March 14, 2005

Siena College announced the Leo Dufort Student-Athlete of the Month Award for the months of January and February. The award is presented to a student-athlete who portrays excellence in the classroom and on the playing field.

Sophomore David Ryan (Eastchester, NY) of the Siena men's basketball team and Junior Whitney Cave (Portland, Oregon) of the ladies basketball team, were named recipients of the award for the month of January.

Ryan, a psychology major, posted a 2.84 GPA last semester. On the court, Ryan played an active role for the Saints, averaging 19 minutes in the 28 games in which he played in. He was third on the team in free throw percentage, shooting 75% from the stripe.

"David's accomplishments are a testament to his academic and athletic maturity," said Director of Athletics, John D'Argenio. "I'm very proud of what he has done here at Siena."

Cave notched a 3.79 GPA as a Mathematics major. Last fall, she accumulated a perfect 4.0 GPA. Her success academically travels with her onto the basketball court. The junior forward played in all 29 games for the Saints and was third on the team in points scored, averaging 8.9 points per game. Cave led the Saints in rebounds for the season, with 9.2 per game.

"Whitney has shown the type of perseverance and drive that every true leader possesses," said head coach Gina Castelli. "It's no surprise that she is where she is today."

Garnering the award for the month of February were swimmer Christie Hunter (Bedford, NY) and Men's Lacrosse player Philip Ferrara (Stony Point, NY).

Hunter achieved a 3.73 GPA last semester as an accounting major. As a swimmer in the Individual Medley and Fly events for the Saints, Hunter placed eighth at the MAAC Championships and first in the 400 medley against rival Marist.

"Christie is a valuable component of this team," said head coach Glenn McKenna. "She serves as a role model and team leader. Everyone looks to her for guidance."

As an american studies major, Philip Ferrara earned a 3.34 GPA last semester. He has proven that he can balance the responsibilities that are required of a student athlete, and then some. On the lacrosse field, Ferrara has improved his skills dramatically after appearing in four games and scoring two goals as a junior.

"Philip has shown vast improvement as an attack," said Head Coach Brian Brecht. "He will certainly continue to excel athletically and academically."

The Leo Dufort Student-Athlete of the Month Award is presented nine times annually.