Athletic Department Hands Out End of Year Awards

The Alfred State athletic department celebrated the 2015-16 athletic year at the annual athletic department end of the year awards held recently in the Cappadonia Auditorium.

Pioneer Award: Lera Braun (Volleyball), Robert Mahany (Soccer), & Brady Sass (Baseball)

Braun, a four year member of the volleyball team, earned USCAA All-American twice including being named 1^st team this year. She helped the Lady Pioneers to a second straight trip to USCAA National Championships and the ECAC Championship. Braun is the all-time school leader in assists with 3,792 assists.

She is credited for being the true court general for the team who leads by example on and off the court. Braun has also been an active participant with the volleyball team's Pink Pride game and numerous other athletic department activities.

Mahany, a two year member and captain this season of the soccer team, was a key component of the Pioneer defense. He is credited for leading by example, trying to strive to make the team successful, and always looking for ways to get involved on and off the field. He is a member of the Emerging Pioneer Leadership Program and works in the civic engagement department on campus.

Sass, a three-year member of the baseball team, has been a bulldog on the mound pitching a career high 69 innings. On the mound he has collected 11 career victories while off the field he has been part of all the baseball team's civic engagement projects. Credited for being a fierce competitor that demands excellence from those around him and for understanding what it takes to be a successful student-athlete day-in and day-out

Athlete of the Year Award: Victoire Kothor (Track & Field) & Ian VanValen (Wrestling)

Kothor, a two-year member of the track & field team, continued to rewrite the throwing record books this season. She is the school record holder in the shot put and weight throw indoor and the shot put and hammer throw outdoors. She won the ECAC championship in shot and was 2nd in the weight throw indoors and will compete in the shot put and hammer throw at the outdoor championships. She is credited by her coaching staff for being a team player that has cooked dinners for her team and has helped organize the team's end of year banquet. She also represents the athletic department well as an admission office host.

VanValen, a two-year member of the wrestling team, qualified for the NCWA Championships for the second straight season. He was 23-12 this year with nine pins. He won the USCAA Invitational title and the NCWA Northeast Championship title before finishing 4^th at the NCWA National Championships. His and teammates Ryan Thierman's 4^th place finish at Nationals this year are the top finishes by any wrestler in the NCAA era. During his two years at Alfred State, VanValen is has recorded 35 victories and 12 pins.

Newcomer of the Year Award: Catherine Bialecki (Basketball), Alison Sell (Swimming), Jeff Andrews (Football), & Thomas Shofi (Baseball)

Bialecki transferred to Alfred State this winter and had an immediate impact on the basketball team. She was named 2^nd team USCAA All-American after appearing in 14 games and averaging 13 points per game and 7.6 rebounds per game. She collected five double-doubles on the season and 27 blocks. She had a career high 26 points in a victory over Delhi and grabbed 16 rebounds vs. Fisher College.

Sell became the first Alfred State swimmer to qualify for the ECAC Championships where she finished 26^th in the 100 breaststroke. She broke and established new records in nine individual events at Alfred State during the NCAA Era. She broke a pool record in the 100 breaststroke at Delhi that had stood since 1998.

Academic Award: Angel Bresnahan (Track & Field/Soccer) & Tyler Elliott (Basketball

Bresnahan, a member of the women's soccer and track & Field teams, has a 3.97 GPA in Baking Program

Elliott, a member of the men's basketball team, has a 4.00 GPA in Construction Management.

Leadership Award: Stormi Kruger (Soccer/Softball) & Brandon Teboe (Track & Field)

Kruger, a three-year member of the soccer and softball teams, is a key component to the soccer team's defense and the leading hitter on the softball team. On the soccer field she helped the Lady Pioneers to their 3rd straight trip to the USCAA National Championships while on the softball diamond she hit .400 with 27 RBIs. Credited for being a great leader in practice, on the field, and in the weight room. Her intensity helps others around her become better players and she is always willing to help with recruiting.

Teboe, a three year member of the track & field team, has battled injuries this season but has continued to lead his team and find ways to help team. Qualified for two events at the New York State Championships this spring after finishing 2^nd at the state meet last year in the pole vault. He is credited for being always willing to help coaching staff and teammates, for being very helpful to his teammates in their skill development, and for volunteering time to help the athletic department with prospective recruits and for helping with strength and conditioning activities. Was also honored by being named to the USCAA All-Academic team.

Daniel Neverett Sportsmanship Award: Kylie Hint (Soccer) & Brad Haggerty (Wrestling)

Hint, a two-year member of the soccer team, is a hard working player that gives it her all in practice and pushes those around her to be better. Credited for being a tenacious defender who has made her own offensive player better during practice. Never complains about losses or playing time and is a joy to be around and is there to support her teammates. Holds a 3.86 GPA and was named to the USCAA All-Academic team.

Pioneer Cup: The Baseball Team

William Havens Award: Alexe Pask & Gina Boyd

Pioneer Honors: Leo Lejeune