RIVERDALE, N.Y. - The Manhattan College Athletic Department hosted its 71st annual Block M Awards Banquet on Wednesday evening to recognize the widespread success of its 19 Division I athletic programs. Over 300 student-athletes received a certificate of merit for their participation on an athletic team during the 2010-2011 academic year, and each team recognized its Most Outstanding Performer and Jasper Academic Award Winner.
Director of Athletics Bob Byrnes '68 introduced the Most Outstanding Performer Award which is given to a student-athlete for their exceptional athletic achievements. One the men's side, Mike McCann (Baseball), George Beamon (Basketball), Tobias Lundgren (Cross Country), Felix Siljeback-Larsen (Indoor Track & Field), Roman Ewald (Outdoor Track & Field), Thomas Romano (Golf), Justin Jensen (Lacrosse), Erick Montinard (Soccer) and Robert Varieur (Swimming) received this prestigious honor. Among the women's teams, Manhattan recognized Abby Wentworth (Basketball), Maria Jangsten (Cross Country), Malin Olsson (Indoor Track & Field), Cara Rostant (Outdoor Track & Field), Breana Leonard (Lacrosse), Caroline Morse (Soccer), Jaci Rahey (Softball), Bridget Latino (Swimming), Lili Johnson (Tennis) and Diane Strutner (Volleyball).
A new award was introduced at the 2011 Block M Dinner on behalf of Hudson Valley Bone and Joint Surgeons. Manhattan College team doctors Anthony Maddalo, Gregg Cavaliere and Christine Curran presented the 'Comeback Player of the Year' Award to sophomore baseball player Julian De La Rosa. The award recognizes a student-athlete who was injured last season, but worked their way back to full competition through their dedication to rehabilitation and perseverance. Hudson Valley Bone and Joint Surgeons donated $2,000 to the Manhattan College Athletic Training Room in De La Rosa's name for the purchase of new rehabilitation equipment, which will help future student-athletes comeback from significant injuries.
Additionally, the Jasper Award recognized senior student-athlete who carries the highest GPA for their respective team. Award winners include:
