The Observer, December 1, 2006
Volume XXXIX, Issue 12
Brew named as finalist for Gagliardi Trophy
Senior linebacker Tom Brew has been named one of 10 finalists for the 2006 Gagliardi Trophy, given annually to the outstanding football player in NCAA Division III. Four regional finalists will be chosen and announced on Tuesday, Dec. 5.
"I can't think of a greater honor for a football player at our level," head coach Greg Debeljak said. "It's basically the Heisman award for Division III football."
The trophy will be presented Thursday, Dec. 14, in Salem, Va. The award recognizes excellence in academics, athletics, and community service.
Three quarterbacks, two linebackers, two defensive tackles, two running backs, and a defensive back from seven different states comprise the 10 finalists. Three are from Ohio.
"In my 18 years of coaching Division III, there has only been one other football player that I would consider deserving of this award–London Fletcher, who is now playing for the Buffalo Bills (National Football League)," said Debeljak. "I'm excited for Tom and his family, and I hope he wins it. He is a very deserving candidate."
Brew was named the University Athletic Association Co-Defensive Player of the Year this season as well as a first-team linebacker. He was a preseason All-America honoree, a semifinalist for the Draddy Trophy and a CoSIDA/ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District second team selection in 2006. Brew led the UAA in total tackles per game (12.1), while finishing 10th in Division III in total tackles (121).
"My experience as an athlete and student at Case has been tremendous," said Brew. "I am very proud to represent the university and our football team as a finalist for this award."
Five men's soccer players named to all-region team
Five men's soccer players have been named to the inaugural D3kicks.com All-Great Lakes Region Team. Sophomore forward RJ French was a first-team honoree, sophomore goalkeeper Konrad Karasek and sophomore forward Matt Paglia were second-team selections, and sophomore defender Zeyad Schwen and junior midfielder Neal Duryea made the third team.
French and Karasek were both first-team All-University Athletic Association selections this year. French finished the season with 11 goals and 11 assists for 33 points. His point total was best on the team and second in the UAA. Karasek went 9-0-1 this year with a 0.31 goals against average. His goals against average was tops on the team and the UAA, and third in Division III.
"Both of those guys certainly deserve the recognition," coach Dan Palmer said. "RJ is a tremendous competitor and finisher. If he gets a chance in front of the net, he is going to score more times than not. Konrad's play in goal this year was great. He finished the season as one of the top goalkeepers in the nation. He played very well."
Paglia finished third on the team in scoring with 27 points (nine goals, nine assists) and Duryea had two goals and two assists for six points. Schwen was part of a Case defense that recorded 13 shutouts this season, including two NCAA tournament matches.
"All three work incredibly hard out there," Palmer said. "Matt is a tremendous athlete. His speed enables him to score goals and disrupt defenses. Zeyad is another gifted athlete. Nobody scored this year by getting behind us. Neal is a journeyman and works hard on both sides of ball. His role has been more of a defensive midfielder and he won a lot of balls this season."
The 12th-ranked Spartans finished 17-2-2 (5-2 UAA) this year. They claimed their first-ever UAA title and made their first-ever NCAA postseason appearance.
