Monday, May 17, 2010

Whitman Athletic Banquet

Last week was the Whitman athletic banquet. This is a wonderful event where all of Whitman's athletes (about 20% of the student body) gather to celebrate the year in sports. It is very fun to mingle with other teams, see the accomplishments of all Whitman sports, watch the slide/video show, and be apart of the outstanding athlete awards.

The highlight of the evening is Whitman's version of the "ESPies." Student-athletes are nominated in different categories and the coaching staff votes for a winner. Tennis players were nominated for the following awards:

Freshman male athlete of the year: Jeffrey Tolman
Sophomore male athlete of the year: Conor Holton-Burke
Junior male athlete of the year: Etienne Moshevich, Chris Bailey
Senior male athlete of the year: Christoph Fuchs
Borleske award: Matt Solomon

Matt Solomon won the coveted Borleske award. This award is giving to the outstanding male athlete/leader/student at Whitman. Matt certainly earned this award -- besides being Whitman's most decorated modern athlete (3 time singles All-American, 3 time doubles All-American, 2 time NWC Player of the Year), he volunteers his times at local elementary schools, has been active on SAAC (student athletic advisory council), is business manager for the school newspaper, CFO for WIC (Whitman investment club), and even performed in the Mr Whitman competition. Wow, Matt has done it all and is deserving of this very prestigious award!

Kudos to Christoph Fuchs and Conor Holton-Burke for being listed among the top 5 GPA's. It makes me proud to think that two tennis players were listed among the top 5 student athlete GPA's at Whitman!

Speaking of academics, a number of Whitman players were named to the NWC All-Academic team: Matt Solomon, Etienne Moshevich, Chris Bailey, Christoph Fuchs, Conor Holton-Burke, and Thomas Roston (hopefully I didn't forget anyone). It speaks volumes about the dedication of the men's tennis team when 5 of our top 6 players have a GPA over a 3.5!

Lastly the team was nominated and received the George Ball Award for Sportsmanship. This is given to a team that competes with class and is supportive of other teams on campus. Absolutely incredible to win the award named after the man who has given so much time and guidance to our team!

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