TOMS RIVER, NJ - The Georgian Court University Department of Athletics honored its student-athletes Tuesday evening at the annual GCU Athletics Awards Banquet at the Ramada of Toms River.
Athlete-of-the-Year Award
The 2010 Georgian Court University Player of the Year Award was presented to softball’s Rachel Ruch. Ruch (So.), an All-CACC First-Team, CACC All-Tournament and Daktronics East All-Region Second Team selection, avoided any sign of a sophomore jinx, batting a team-leading .399 to go along with her roster-high 75 hits and CACC-record 23 doubles. The Edison, NJ native also led the conference with 136 total bases while ranking among the CACC leaders with 10 home runs, four triples, 14 stolen bases, 22 walks, .460 on-base percentage and .723 slugging percentage.
Rookie- of-the-Year Award
The GCU Rookie of the Year Award went to Justine Berger of the cross-country team. Berger (Fr.) became the first Lions’ harrier to earn a spot on the NCAA All-East Region team. The ’09 CACC Rookie of the Year and seven-time CACC Rookie of the Week was GCU’s top finisher in all nine meets this season.
Presidential Award
Presented by University President, Rosemary E. Jeffries, RSM, Ph.D., the 2010 Presidential Award went to softball player and SAAC president, Chelsea Long. The award is intended to recognize the athlete who has excelled in athletic competition, in the classroom and in other college activities and who exemplifies leadership, dedication, values and concern for others.
Scholar-Athlete Award
For the second year in a row, the Scholar-Athlete Award went to Oge Okeke of cross country and track & field. Presented by Timothy Briles, the Faculty Athletic Representative, the award is given to the junior or senior student-athlete with the highest GPA in excess of 3.4 and who has completed two seasons of eligibility. Okeke, a biology major, finished with a 3.82 GPA.
Blue and Gold IMPACT Award
This special award is presented to a person who has been an inspiration to the GCU athletic program through outstanding efforts, dedication and leadership or by overcoming difficulties. Selected by the members of SAAC, the 2010 Blue and Gold IMPACT Award went to Interim Provost, Evelyn Quinn.
Mercy Award
Lacrosse Team
R.O.A.R. Award
Track & Field Team
Team Awards
Basketball: Coaches Award: Tifanni Brown
Most Improved: Kandace Johnson
MVP: Lauren Staats
XC: Coaches Award: Samantha Sinclair
Most Improved: Ammy Gutierrez
MVP: Justine Berger
Lacrosse: Coaches Award: Laura Housel
Most Improved: Devyn Flesch
MVP: Christine Latteri
Softball: Coaches Award: Kelsey Cutler
Most Improved: Chelsea Long
MVP: Brooke Hull
Soccer: Coaches Award: Allyson Buckley
Most Improved: Alexa Niro
MVP: Kelly Lyons
Tennis: Coaches Award: Caitlyn Lawrence
Most Improved: Brittany Aimone
MVP: Natalie Grieci
Track & Field: Coaches Award: Christine Gorczyca
Most Improved: Krystal Belcher
MVP: Lauren Calorel
Volleyball: Coaches Award: Joann Zayas
Most Improved: Brandi Arsenault
MVP: Lisamary Figueroa
