The Observer, November 17, 2006
Volume XXXIX, Issue 11
Players and coaches rack up awards as fall winds down
The strong performances of the men's soccer team and women's cross country teams have resulted in several players and coaches earning post-season awards. The U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association announced Wednesday that women's cross country coach Kathy Lanese has been named NCAA Great Lakes Region Women's Coach of the Year.
"This award is bigger than any award I have ever received," Lanese said. "It's a true sign of my team's loyalty to me, and dedication to each other and to our program. It has been a year beyond belief."
Men's soccer coach Dan Palmer also earned Coach of the Year honors in the UAA. His team was picked to finish last in the conference at the beginning of the season but went on to set a school record in victories and qualify for its first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance.
"It is always an honor to receive recognition that is awarded by your coaching peers, and I am thrilled to be this year's recipient," said Palmer. "More than anything, this award recognizes the fact that we have talented players who worked extremely hard in the off-season and have combined that work ethic with a team-first attitude this season. It is also reflective of the outstanding efforts of our assistant coaches, Scott Anthony, Matt Gerding, and Vlado Hrelja."
The UAA also announced its all-conference teams for soccer on Wednesday. Case sophomore forward R.J. French and sophomore goalkeeper Konrad Karasek were named to the first team. French has 33 points on 11 goals and 11 assists this year while Karasek is 9-0 with a 0.34 goals against average.
Sophomore center-back Zeyad Schwen and sophomore midfielder Matt Paglia were second-team honorees, and sophomore forward Kevin Bigart, junior midfielder Neal Duryea, and senior center-back Greg Gasbarro were honorable mention selections.
On the women's side, junior defender Liz Altenau was a second team honoree. Freshman defender Jen Soo Hoo and sophomore goalkeeper Kirsten McClain were honorable mention selections.
Case freshman libero Andrea Lamont was an honorable mention selection in women's volleyball. Lamont had a team-leading 574 digs (third in UAA) in 128 games this season as the Spartans finished 12-25 (1-10 UAA). She also finished first in service aces (53) and was second in assists (82).
Finally, sophomore defensive end Brian Calderone and junior swimmer Lauren Preyss were named Athletes of the Week in their respective sports. Calderone registered a game-high 14 tackles, including four sacks, and a 32-yard recovered fumble for a touchdown as the Spartans completed the 2006 season with a 27-9 victory over Washington and Lee University.
Preyss tallied three individual event wins, recording an NCAA Division III provisional qualifying mark in one, at the Cleveland City College meet hosted by Cleveland State University. Preyss posted the provisional time in winning the 100-yard freestyle with a time of 52.53 seconds. She also captured the 200-yard individual medley (2:11.41) and the 100-yard backstroke (1:02.28) as the Spartans posted a 1-3 mark in the multi-dual event.
Compiled by Rick Balazs, Sports Editor.
