MCLA honors Dr. Steve Green at annual athletics banquet

The MCLA athletics community recently gathered to honor the accomplishments of their student-athletes from the 2008-2009 year. This is a night when MCLA honors not only their student-athletes, but those in the College's community who show tremendous support for the athletics programs.

Dr. Steve Green has been a fixture on the sidelines of every sporting event at MCLA. His presence has been appreciated by all of the College's athletes and it was this year that the athletics department showed him their appreciation. The Athletics Service Award is not an award given annually, but is saved for an individual who has demonstrated continued support and allegiance to the intercollegiate program at the College. Since Dr. Green personifies this award, the official name was changed to the Dr. Steve Green Athletic Service Award.

Dr. Green came to the College's sociology department in 1973. Since then, he has played a key role in sustaining a strong program in that department. As an educator, he spent countless hours working with students in the classroom and serving as an advisor and mentor outside of class. He has been a dedicated member of the MCLA community, serving on numerous College committees. As a member of the local community, he has been involved with a variety of service agencies, including the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition and the United Way Campaign.  At MCLA, Green has played a variety of roles, including faculty member, department chair, acting vice president for academic affairs, and associate dean. He has held the position of vice president for academic affairs since 2004.

MCLA athletics director, Scott Nichols said during the dedication, "Steve Green's contributions to MCLA and the Athletic Department cannot be measured in words. His behind the scenes support of students, coaches and staff have been critical to the success of the programs. Steve is the epitome of what it means to serve the community and it is only fitting that the Athletic Department Service Award be named in his honor." The 2008-2008 recipient was Leon Peters, the College's graphics designer.

For the MCLA Athletics Department, it was a year that saw personal bests in cross country and golf, four conference tournament appearances, 11 all conference players, seven MASCAC players of the week, and a first ever regular season sweep of Salem by women's basketball in route to their best record in program history. MCLA had two coaches of the year in the MASCAC, a first for this as well, and each sport had representation at the top of many MASCAC final statistical categories. Two single season scoring records were broken and later Jess Tietgens would end up nationally ranked in NCAA DIII finishing 4^th for points per game and 5^th for goals per game.

Each year the department also recognizes the top male and female student-athletes. Both awards are based on the combination of athletic accomplishment and academic success.

Louis Parisien Memorial Award (Sportsman of the Year) is given annually to the outstanding male student-athlete in memory of Louis Parisien. He was a 1952 graduate of the College who demonstrated excellence in both academics and athletics. This year's recipient was Ken Recore (Averill Park, NY) from the baseball team. Baseball coach Jeff Puleri added, "the award exemplifies excellence in regards to athletics and academics. Ken is a great example of both whose best is still ahead of him."

Sue Getchell Award (Sportswoman of the Year) is given annually to that upper-class, female student athlete who has demonstrated excellence in both academics and athletics. Susan Getchell (1963) was faculty member in the Department of Physical Education for 29 years, Susan Getchell coached  gymnastics, field hockey, women's soccer, softball and cheerleading. She pioneered much of the women's athletics programs at the College. According to Sue, "The teaching/coaching job that I accepted in 1969 and expected to continue for a 'few years' became my lifetime's work." Over those years, Sue accumulated some wonderful memories and was always inspired by the enthusiasm and talent of the young women she worked with. Her lifetime work has had an impact on innumerable athletes that have since graduated from the College. The 2008-2009recipient of the Sue Getchell award was junior women's soccer and basketball player, Jade Prickett (Westhampton, MA).

Head women's soccer coach Deb Raber commented, "From the day she walked on campus her freshman year, Jade Prickett has taken advantage of every opportunity she has been afforded. She has been awarded the Student Leader Award, is the vice-president of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, serves as an officer in the College's student government association, is a student representative on the President's Athletics Advisory Council, and was recently elected by her peers to serve as MCLA's Student Trustee. She has shown that life is more than the sport you play." Raber continued, "she carries one of the top grade point averages among our student athletes. Her work ethic on the soccer field, on the baseball court, and in the classroom is matched by few. Jade truly personifies a recipient of the Sue Getchell Award."

 2008-2009 All-MASCAC Team Selections

Christina Kidd (volleyball), Jen Wehner (basketball), Andrew Gaines (baseball), Hadley Ameen (softball), Paul Procopio (baseball), Kayla Koumjian (softball), Jon Greenberg (basketball), Jess Tietgens (soccer), and Taylor Kenyon (soccer) - missing Raul Escobar (soccer) and Amanda Lane (volleyball)

4-Year Seniors

Back row: Ed Cano (golf), Gianfranco Bravo (soccer), Mike Callahan (basketball), Matt Douglas (golf), Steve Disantis (baseball), Anthony Russo (baseball), Andrew Gaines (baseball), Matt Burke (baseball), Steve Sullivan (baseball), Cory Burtman (baseball); Front row: Danielle Weber (soccer), Amey Blackburn (softball), Kristin Banks (tennis), Sara Miller (soccer), Taylor Kenyon (soccer), Michelle MacDonald (soccer), Samantha Morrissey (soccer), and Karri Schongar (soccer)

MVPs:

• Baseball - Andrew Gaines (Holyoke, MA)
• Golf - Ed Cano (Pittsfield, MA)
• Men's Basketball - Jon Greenberg (Antwerp, Belgium)
• Men's Cross Country - Nick Raby (Danvers, MA)
• Men's Soccer - Raul Escobar (Ashley Falls, MA)
• Softball - Rachel Desautels (Readsboro, VT)
• Tennis - Sandra Sheridan (Littleton, MA)
• Volleyball - Amanda Lane (Swansey, MA)
• Women's Basketball - Larissa Minor
• Women's Cross Country - Caitlin Culver (Johnsonville, NY)
• Women's Soccer - Cece Von Tisenhausen-Hush (Arlington, VT)
• Outstanding Student Service Award - Sara Miller (Williamsburg, MA)
• Student Athletic Trainer of the Year - Steph Hendricks (Warrensburg, NY)