May 5, 2009
Photo Gallery
LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. - The Siena College athletic department held its annual year-end All-Sports Celebration Tuesday afternoon, recognizing the departmental award winners including players, rookies and the Coach of the Year as well as graduating seniors for their four years of service to the athletic department.
Associate Athletic Director and Senior Women's Administrator Joyce Eggleston presented men's basketball senior captain Kenny Hasbrouck and volleyball junior middle hitter Burgandy McCurty the Siena College Male and Female Student Athlete of the Year awards. Hasbrouck, who was the MAAC MVP and MAAC Tournament MVP, led his team to a MAAC Championship and First Round NCAA Tournament win for a second straight season. Additionally, he was an AP All-American Honorable Mention.
McCurty led the volleyball program to its fourth straight MAAC Tournament Championship and NCAA appearance last fall. She was the MAAC Offensive Player of the Year for a second straight season and was also the MAAC Tournament MVP. Additionally, she became the school's all-time career kills leader with still one more season to go.
Men's lacrosse head coach Brian Brecht was presented the Siena College Coach of the Year award by Director of Athletics John D'Argenio. Brecht led his team to the program's first ever MAAC Tournament Championship and NCAA appearance on Sunday. The Saints have won 10 or more games each of the past three years and Brecht was also named MAAC Coach of the Year for his efforts for a third time in his five seasons in Loudonville.
Assistant Athletic Director for Communications Jason Rich awarded men's lacrosse standout Bryan Neufeld and women's soccer phenom Ashleigh Barone the Siena Rookie of the Year awards. Neufeld was tabbed the MAAC Rookie of the Year and All-MAAC First Team. He ranked second in the MAAC in points (50) and goals (37) and led the conference with four game-winning goals.
Barone was also a MAAC Rookie of the Year and MAAC First Team selection. She led the league in both goals and points which ranked 11th and 13th nationally respectively. Additionally, she tied for the MAAC lead in game-winning goals in helping the women's soccer team to a program-record 13 wins.
Women's tennis player and SAAC President Lauren Garbade presented the SAAC Appreciation Award to Assistant Athletic Trainer Jill Guarino. The award recognizes and individual for their dedication and commitment to Siena's student-athletes.
Academic Advisor Gail Picillo awarded the Student-Athlete Achievement Awards to baseball player Nick Messinger and women's swimmer Melissa Nocera. The honor goes to a graduating student athlete who has worked diligently in the classroom and shown great improvement.
Additionally, Picillo handed out Senior Academic Honor and Academic Excellence awards to graduating seniors who have posted cumulative GPA's above a 3.20 over their four years. Nearly 30 seniors were recognized with these honors.
Four year graduating seniors were also honored from each of Siena's sports and received special watches as a thank you gift for their efforts both on and off the field over the past four years.
