Department of Athletics Recognizes Student-Athlete Contributions and Accomplishments
South Portland, ME. The Southern Maine Community College Department of Athletics held it's annual awards banquet Tuesday night in the South Portland campus dining hall. The event recognized student-athletes, coaches and staff members for their many accomplishments and contributions throughout the 2011-2012 academic year.
The night kicked off with a welcome from Athletic Director Matt Richards. Richards thanked many college representatives for their support and efforts in promoting the department and enhancing the student-athlete experience. Following the welcome, Richards recognized conference champions and student-athletes who earned All-Conference or All-American awards.
United States Collegiate Athletic Association National Tournament
Tommy Stirling (Golf) – Champion
Alex McFarlane (Golf) - Qualifier
Men’s Soccer – Qualifier
Yankee Small College Conference Champions
Men’s Soccer
Baseball
Softball
USCAA Academic All-American
Kyle Ehlers (Men’s Soccer)
Molly Gallagher (Women’s Soccer)
Truc Nguyen (Men’s Soccer)
James Wurgler (Men’s Soccer)
USCAA All-American
Nick Link (Men’s Soccer)
Alex McFarlane (Golf)
Tommy Stirling (Golf)
Blais Whitney (Men’s Soccer)
YSCC All-Conference
Katelyn Benson (Women’s Basketball)
Nick Link (Men’s Soccer)
Josh Mackie (Men’s Basketball)
Alex McFarlane (Golf)
Tommy Stirling (Golf)
Marissa Welch (Women’s Basketball)
Blais Whitney (Men’s Soccer)
*Spring season honorees have not been announced
The department also presented five awards to student-athletes and one award to a non-student-athlete as voted on by the department staff and coaches.
The Donald Ferrante Most Improved Athlete Award is given each year to the most deserving student-athlete who showed strong traits of determination, improvement and commitment to his or her teammates. The 2012 Donald Ferrante Award winner was Esther Palmieri (South Portland, ME) of the women’s soccer and women’s basketball teams.
This year’s banquet marked the first presentation of the Timothy D. Hagerman Scholarship Award. Timothy David Hagerman was a basketball player and member of the SMCC teams that won back to back Yankee Small College Conference Championships in 2007 and 2008. Hagerman passed away in December 2011 after a year-long battle with cancer. As a student-athlete at SMCC, Hagerman was a key contributor who came off the bench to do whatever was asked of him for his team. He selflessness attitude to do whatever needed to be done to give his team a win was his trademark attribute. He was supportive and thrilled for his teammates' personal triumphs more than his own. Hagerman embodied the true meaning of school spirit, as he continued to be an avid fan as an alumnus. The Seawolves were forever close to his heart. The 2012 Timothy D. Hagerman Scholarship recipient was men’s basketball player Tyler Cummings (Farmingdale, ME).
The Carroll Rines Sports Persons of the Year Awards are given each year to the most deserving male and female student-athlete with the dedication and commitment to his/her team and the overall athletic department. Image and success are strong factors. The 2012 Carroll Rines Award recipients were Alex Poisson (Claremont, NH) of the baseball team and Hanna Lyons (Scarborough, ME) of the women’s soccer and women’s basketball teams.
The Liberty Mutual Student-Athlete of the Year Award is given each year to the top all-around student-athlete. The characteristics of the student-athlete must exemplify not only athletic prowess, but effort and excellence in the classroom. The candidate is not solely judged on points scored, but rather on his or her contribution to the team’s effort, leadership, integrity, dedication to team, campus involvement, and the ability to serve as a role model for current and future SMCC student-athletes. The 2012 recipient of the Liberty Mutual Student-Athlete of the Year award was Molly Gallagher (Portland, ME).
The final presentation of the evening was the announcement of the John Dakin Outstanding Contribution Award winner. This award is given annually to a non-student athlete who gave of their time to promote SMCC athletics. The recipient is usually one who volunteered or gave of themselves above and beyond what was expected. The 2012 John Dakin Award was presented to the Administrative Coordinator for Student Life, Beth Borowski.