ONEONTA, NY - The Hartwick men's soccer program announced its 2008 team awards to coincide with the Hartwick College Athletics Banquet and Awards Ceremony held at Binder Gymnasium on Wednesday evening.
Senior John Paul Boyle '09 was recognized as the Hartwick Men's Soccer Most Valuable Player for the second straight season. In addition to Boyle securing MVP honors, he also was awarded the 2008 Golden Boot Award for the second straight season. Boyle's eight goals and three assists (19 points) placed him second in scoring in the MAC and he was honored as a 1st Team All-MAC and all-region selection. This season, Boyle became just the 15th player in the 52-year history of the program to reach the 30-goal plateau for his career. His 31st and final career goal in the MAC semifinals against Akron vaulted him past Eduardo Rodriguez (1964-67), Phil Russo (1969-72), Steve Long (1975-78), and Eddie Hawkins (1980-83) into sole possession of 11th place in the all-time Hartwick charts. Boyle also is tied with Hawkins for 13th in Hartwick history with 70 points.
Owen Botting '11 was honored as the 2008 Rookie of the Year after a successful season during which he recorded one goal and seven assists. The transfer student from Heidelberg College enjoyed an excellent first campaign at Hartwick and started all 19 games for the Blue and White.
Carson Pryde '11 was awarded the Most Improved Player Award as he established himself as the starting right back in 2008. The rugged defender produced a series of outstanding individual performances and he was able to add consistency to his fantastic attitude and work rate.
The 2008 Coaches' Award was presented to Jeremy Vuolo '11 who started all 19 games for Hartwick in the net. The Coaches' Award recognizes an individual who "best personifies courage, desire, humility and an unselfish devotion to his teammates" and Vuolo's dedication and application have been the foundation for his success on and off the soccer field.
The 'Wick Alumni Award is presented to the student-athlete with the highest GPA after three semesters at Hartwick College. This year's recipient of the award was Joe Gibson '09 who was also recognized on Wednesday evening with the Frederick M. Binder Scholar Athlete Award presented by the Hartwick Athletic Department to a senior male student-athlete. Joe has enjoyed an exceptional soccer career at the 'Wick while excelling in the classroom. In 2008, he was recognized as a John Christopher Hartwick Scholar which is the highest distinction that the college confers upon a student.
Pat Thompson '12 was the winner of the 2008 Freshman Academic Achievement Award, earning the highest GPA for a first semester player.
Senior Phil Cartwright '09 received the 2008 Mooch Myernick '77 Award given annually to the 'Wick player with the most positive influence on the team's attitude. Cartwright played in 14 matches during the fall and was a true personality, friend, and teammate both on and off the soccer field.
Hartwick returns seven starters from a team that went 7-5-7 in 2008, and has recently announced the addition of a talented recruiting class that will allow 'Wick to compete for a MAC Championship and a return to the NCAA Tournament.
2008 Men's Soccer Awards MVP - John Paul Boyle '09
Rookie of the Year - Owen Botting '11
Most Improved Player of the Year - Carson Pryde '11
Golden Boot Award - John Paul Boyle '09
Coaches' Award - Jeremy Vuolo '11
'Wick Alumni Award - Joe Gibson '09
Freshman Academic Achievement Award - Pat Thompson '12
Mooch Myernick '77 Award - Phil Cartwright '09
