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TROY, N.Y. – The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) 2009-10 senior student-athletes were recognized at the annual banquet. As part of the dinner the newest members of Olympia, the athletic department's student-athlete honor society, were honored. Sixty-four individuals were chosen from this year's senior class.
Other highlights of the event was the awarding of the Rensselaer Alumni Association (RAA) Team of the Year, which was presented to the 2009 women's cross country and men's soccer teams.
The women's cross country team had an outstanding season on the course representing Rensselaer at the NCAA Championships for the first time in program history. Led by
Marie Ferro, the Liberty League Rookie of the Year, and
Erin Kyle, a two-time NCAA Championship competitor, RPI was selected with an at-large berth after finishing fifth at the NCAA Atlantic Regional Meet – the best finish ever by the women's program at Regionals. Three players garnered All-Liberty League honors, while two were named to the All-New York State First Team.
The men's soccer team finished 14-3-2 overall and first in the Liberty League with a record of 5-1-1. They had one of the most successful seasons in program history in 2009, and were among the national leaders in a number of categories, including eighth in team goals against average (0.51) and save percentage (.880). The squad also led the Liberty League in seven defensive categories, including fewest goals allowed (10), fewest points allowed (1.37 per game) and shutouts (10).
Individually, the team earned a number of accolades at seasons' end as head coach
Adam Clinton was named the Liberty League Coach of the Year for the second straight season, while also garnering All-East Region Coach of the Year recognition. Nine student-athletes were named to year-end All-Liberty League Teams, including senior midfielder and NSCAA All-American
Lincoln Field.
Also honored were football player
Mike Fil and women's basketball player
Amanda Brophy, who were named the Henry Kumpf Award winners. Tom Tarantelli, the Director of Rensselaer's Career Development Center and the Acting Assistant Vice President of Residence Life, was presented the Tom Sheehan Award, while women's lacrosse player,
Shannon Donovan, and football player
Colin Elliott, were the co-recipients of this year's Perseverance Award.
The Kumpf Award is given annually to a senior student-athlete who has demonstrated a strong degree of motivation, desire and determination in contributing to the success of the team, while the Perseverance Award is given to a senior student-athlete who overcame a significant physical or personal obstacle and demonstrated exceptional effort in exhibiting their commitment to their teammates and the Institute. The Sheehan Award is presented to a faculty or staff member in recognition of outstanding contributions to Rensselaer athletics.
The Rensselaer Alumni Association Team of the Year Award was created by the RAA Board of Trustees and was first awarded in 1981 to recognize the accomplishments of Rensselaer's intercollegiate athletic teams. One award, which consists of a certificate for each team member and a $1,000 gift to the program, is presented each year. Nominations are solicited from the athletics department and are approved by the RAA Executive Committee.
