MADISON, N.J. (May 6, 2019) – The FDU-Florham Department of Athletics hosted its annual awards banquet Sunday evening.
The event saw each Head Coach present their teams' Rookie of the Year, Scholar Athlete, team captains, and Most Valuable Player. Assistant Baseball Coach
Andrew Romanella served as the emcee of the evening, while student-athletes
Michael Tufano,
Ariana Wexler,
Isaiah Turner,
Makayla Pak,
Darren Davy,
Jennah Roman,
Kevin Brown, and
Michael Warg were student hosts.
The heat was rising from the start, as a near four-minute highlight video was shown, drawing applause of the crowd of over 350. Before each Head Coach speaking about their teams' successes this year, a short video of shown of memorable pictures and video clips from the season.
"Last night's banquet was a huge success as we reflected on the memories made throughout the 2018-2019 school year," explained Director of Athletics
Jenn Noon. "It is always a highlight when we get to honor those that we call student-athletes. To put the term into perspective in the fall our cumulative GPA as an athletic department was a 3.22. As athletes, we had three All-Americans, six All-Regions selections, three Player of the Year winners, forty-two All-MAC selections, broke 24 school records, two MAC Champions, eleven teams participated in post-season, and one coach of the year. In closing, to the seniors, I look forward to celebrating your legacy at graduation. As you close one chapter and begin a next, never forget your roots. Once a Devil, Always a Devil."
AWARD WINNERS
Tom Wilkinson Comeback Player of the Year (Presented to the student-athlete who has prevailed over adversity and significantly contributed to his or her team)
Michael Adragna (Men's Lacrosse)
Joan M. Desilets Award (Presented to the male and female student-athlete who best exemplifies the qualities and spirit manifested in the person of Joan M. Desilets such as integrity and commitment
Men's –
Michael Tufano (Baseball)
Female –
Annamarie Santangelo (Softball)
Contribution Award (Presented in recognition of service to the athletic department)
Rob Barker (Copies Plus)
Marjorie Hall (EOF)
Wade W. Watkins Award (Presented to the student-athlete who best exemplifies the qualities such as enthusiasm and a selfless willingness to give of oneself)
Men's –
Mike Panzarino (Football)
Women's –
Megan Nemeth (Women's Lacrosse)
James Griffo Award (Presented to the top female senior student-athlete for academic excellence over the course of a career)
Makayla Pak (Field Hockey)
Ken Greene Award (Presented to the top male senior student-athlete for academic excellence over the course of a career)
Brendan Demitus (Men's Golf)
Michael Schambach Award (Award is given to the assistant coach that exemplifies hard work, dedication, commitment and goes above and beyond for his/her coaching staff but more importantly the student-athletes. This person embodies the qualities of the late Michael Schambach that aided in the men's lacrosse program's success from 2004-11. Qualities include loyalty, compassion, putting others before themselves and never setting)
Katy Fissel, Women's Soccer
Bill Klika Award (Presented to the male student-athlete that excels on the athletic playing field or court in the 2018-19 season during their first playing year)
MacGyver Hay (Men's Lacrosse)
Roger Kindel Award (Presented to the female student-athlete that excels on the athletic playing field or court in the 2018-19 season during their first playing year)
Sydney Moskal (Field Hockey
Robert T. Shields Award (Presented to the outstanding male and female athletes of the year)
Men's –
Isaiah Turner (Football)
Women's –
Makayla Pak (Field Hockey)
