2002-03 Year-End Awards

May 20, 2003 

KUTZTOWN ATHLETES SELECTED FOR COACHES' AWARDS

KUTZTOWN, PA – The head coaches at Kutztown University have announced the recipients of their respective coaches’ awards.  The winners were recognized at the annual All-Sports Banquet on Tuesday, May 6, 2003.   

               Baseball's Clay Kuklick (so. North Wales/North Penn) hit .310 with 17 RBI and eight doubles during the regular season, and was selected for the coach’s award because of the highly competitive, yet sportsmanlike attitude he brings to the field every game.   

               "The never say die attitude that exemplifies the Golden Bear baseball team can be found in this man's heart and mind," said head coach Chris Blum. 

               Men's basketball's Bobby Eberhart (so. Lancaster/J.P. McCaskey) was a big reason KU's storybook turnaround this season.  Eberhart started all 28 games, averaging 11.8 points and shooting 39.2 percent from three-point range.  More than his production, however, was his unwavering work ethic that stood out, according to head coach Bernie Driscoll. 

               Women's basketball's Becky Savage (sr. Lykens/Williams Valley) averaged 9.9 points and 7.4 rebounds for the Golden Bears, who advanced to the PSAC playoffs for the eighth consecutive season.  She holds the school record for blocked shots in a season, career and single game.  Savage was chosen by head coach Janet Malouf. 

            As cheer team captain, Katie Arbolino (Netcong, NJ/Lenape Valley) led the team to a third place preliminary ranking at nationals to earn the coach’s award. 

            “She always strives to do her best and leads by example,” cheer team coach Jackie Hertz said.  “Katie goes above and beyond her duties as a captain and takes on extra responsibilities.  She is hardworking, dependable, and an exceptional leader.” 

            Men's cross country's Phil Hoffken (sr. Lindenhurst, NY/Lindenhurst) was chosen by head coach Ray Hoffmen for his performance this season in cross country.  Hoffken earned All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) honors this year, finishing in 15th place (27:45.0).  At the East Regional race, Hoffken was 14th to earn All-Region honors. 

            "Hardwork, drive and support are three words that sum up Phil Hoffken," said Hoffman.  "Phil's motivation was a big part of one of the best cross country seasons in school history.  Phil led by example and always had the best interest of the team in mind." 

            Women's cross country's and track & field's Jamie Young (sr. Spring Grove/Spring Grove) earned the coach’s award for both sports.  She qualified for the PSAC track championships in the 400.  She wins her third straight track & field coaches award for her unwavering commitment to her teammates and coaches.

            "A true team leader throughout her four years at KU, Jamie's enthusiasm and care for the team as a whole is hard to match and will be greatly missed," said Hoffman.  "As a two-year team captain, Jamie took time outside of practice to do the little things that made our team become more of a family." 

Field hockey's Lauren McCabe (fr. Shohola/Delaware Valley) recovered for a knee injury that sidelined her for the entire 2001 season but came back this year and has earned the coach’s award from Betty Wesner.  Her loyalty, consistent play and positive attitude were evident for a team that won its last two games of the year to finish 7-12. 

            Football's Jed King (jr. New Providence/Solanco) served as a reserve running back and special teams standout on this season's team, and his efforts were not lost on head coach Dave Keeny, who selected King as the recipient of his coach’s award. 

"Jed was an exemplary practice player who is a great example for other players to emulate," said Keeny. 

               Women's golf's Laura Boyko (jr. Mississauga, ONTARIO) took top individual honors at the season-ending Kutztown tri-meet at the Berkleigh Country Club by shooting an 80.  Head coach Rob Fisher said she earned the award "for outstanding team leadership and for putting the team before herself." 

            Men's soccer's Bobby Hurl (jr. Middletown, NJ/Middletown North) was recognized by head coach Otto Ormossi for displaying leadership qualities throughout the season on a team that went 9-9-2, the third .500 or better season in the last four years. 

            Women's soccer's Danielle Gould (jr. Schnecksville/Parkland) suffered a knee injury in 2001, but came back this year to earn a starting spot, helping KU win 10 games, the third most in school history.   

               "Dani's year did not start off on a positive note," said head coach Jeff Schellenberger. "The competition within the team was tougher and she was returning from a knee injury which slowed her performance. But once the season began, she realized that she had to work harder to regain her starting spot. Dani rose to the challenge, became a starter and was the most positive influence on the entire team. She challenged and encouraged her teammates to push themselves to a higher level." 

               Softball’s Beth Morris (sr. Downingtown/Downingtown) was a standout team leader for the Golden Bears.  She led the team to a Mid-Atlantic Regional tournament berth, hitting .274 (32-117) with a team-high 30 runs scored and 13 RBI. 

               “Beth always gave 100% effort,” Head coach Judy Lawes said.  “She was a good leader, and went above and beyond the call of duty as leader of our team.” 

               Men's swimming's Bill Rinnier (sr. Warminster/William Tennent) has been one of the top backstroke swimmers in the PSAC over the past four years.  He achieved personal bests in the 100 backstroke, 200 back and 200 individual medley this season.  He wrapped up his career with one school record in the 200 back and two relay records (800 free and 400 medley). 

               Women's swimming's Melissa Porter (so. Wallingford/Strath Haven) has been a PSAC qualifier in the 200 freestyle for the past two seasons.   

               Men's tennis' Mukundan Nandakumar (so. Chennai, INDIA) had an impressive 16-4 mark at first singles this year, but his victory over Assumption's Sean Kenney in the East Regional final was the highlight of KU's season.  Nanadakumar's three-set triumph clinched Kutztown's second consecutive trip to Nationals.   

               Women's tennis' Katie Rohrbach (jr. Lebanon/Cedar Crest) earned the award for women's tennis after playing No. 1 singles and No. 1 doubles for the Golden Bears this season. 

            Track & Field's Shaun Landis (sr. Milton/Warrior Run) is a two-time winner of Most Outstanding Field Athlete honors at the PSAC outdoor track and field championships, but head coach Brian Mondschein thinks it Landis' other attributes that make him so valuable. 

            "He is like having another coach on the field," said Mondschein. "His work ethic and selflessness is a role model for all student-athletes.  We couldn't have received more from him in his four years at KU." 

               Women's volleyball's Laura Hallman (sr. Macungie/Emmaus) overcame a series of injuries in her career but was a key contributor on this year's PSAC East Championship-winning team.  Hallman was selected by head coach John Gump. 

               "She has one of the best work ethics among the women's team and will without a doubt continue to be a vital asset to the women's swimming team," said head coach Tim Flannery. 

               Wrestling's Joe Bentz (sr. Cheltenham/Cheltenham) wrapped up his wrestling career this season by going 13-12 and 8-5 in dual matches.  Over his five years at Kutztown, head coach Rob Fisher said Bentz has shown loyalty and dedication to KU wrestling.