2008 Blue And Gold
Awards Presented Sunday
September
07,
2008
LIVONIA, Mich. - -
The Madonna University Athletic Department presented 24 honors at the second
annual Blue and Gold Awards, held Sunday at St. Mary’s Cultural Center to
recognize athletic and academic performance during the 2007-08 year. With
co-winners in some categories, a total of five teams and 18 individuals were
recognized in front of a record crowd of over 400 people.
Soccer
and volleyball won Male and Female Teams of the Year for their accomplishments
in 2007. Soccer became the first men’s team to appear at a National Tournament
after winning the Region VIII title. Volleyball won its 11th straight
Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference championship and captured the region title
before finishing in the Top 10 at the National Tournament.
The Mr.
and Miss Crusader Awards are given for all-around excellence in athletics,
academics, character and service. Rebecca Rufli was named Miss Crusader
and John McCracken was named Mr. Crusader for the second straight season.
Male
Athlete of the Year honors went to baseball’s Kevin Zerbo, the 2008 WHAC
Player of the Year. Lubovj Tihomirova – a first team All-American - of
the volleyball team took home Female Athlete of the Year honors.
The Male
Academic Team of the Year went to cross country while soccer won the female
award. Cross country’s Joe Horka took home Male Scholar Athlete of the
Year while Jacqui Gatt from volleyball was name Female Scholar Athlete of
the Year.
The
Champion of Character awards were given to Drew Coker of men’s basketball
– a repeat winner – and Cat Sidor from softball. Head volleyball coach
Jerry Abraham was named Coach of the Year while Will Kennedy
(baseball) and coach Al White (softball) shared the Hall of Fame Moment
award.
A pair
of new awards were handed out this year as faculty athletic representative
Mike Meldrum was honored with the Sister Francilene Lifetime Achievement
Award for his dedicated service to Madonna Athletics. The Ballinger family was
honored with the True Blue Parents award for going above and beyond in service
to the student-athletes of Madonna University.
Contact:
Patrick Moore, Sports Information Director
(734) 432-5834
