NEW PALTZ — The Department of Athletics at the State University of New York at New Paltz hosted the 2002 Annual Athletic Banquet on May 9. Stuart Robinson, Master of Ceremonies and Director of Athletics opened the evening with jokes and a reminder to everyone why we [Athletic Department Staff and student-athletes] gather to celebrate at the conclusion of the year.
“I feel that it is very important to reflect and show appreciation for all of the hard work and dedication demonstrated by our student-athletes,” commented Robinson.
President Steven Poskanzer and Vice President of Sudent Affairs, Barbara Geider, each gave a brief welcome and were presented with awards of appreciation from the department.
Colleen Bruley (Senior Woman Administrator and Women’s Soccer Coach) with Brian Williams (Associate Athletic Director and M/W Swimming Coach) presented the “Kenneth F. Burda Sportsmanship Awards” to senior, Katie Sharp (Mineola, NY) and senior, Ricky Abramson (Long Beach, NY). Sharp played soccer and lacrosse this last year, while Abramson, competed on the swim team along with serving as the announcer at most of the Hawks home events.
Stuart Robinson presented the “Director of Athletics Award” to Brian Hanley (Highland, NY). Hanley, majoring in engineering competes on the men’s soccer team along with helping in the department as a student assistant.
Colleen Bruley presented the “Carol Eckman Award” for an outstanding female student-athlete, to freshman, Kerry Farrell (Rockville Centre, NY). Farrell competed this last year on the women’s tennis team.
Brian Williams presented the “Floyd Patterson Award” for an outstanding male student-athlete, to junior, Jon Amoia (Williamsville, NY). Amoia led the Hawks swimming team this past season as a captain. Taking the SUNYAC (State University of New York Athletic Conference) championship in the 100 breastroke, qualifying for the ECAC (Eastern College Athletic Conference) championship and qualifying for NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) championship, Amoia demonstrates what hard work can accomplish. In addition to his athletic achievements, Amoia was recently elected Student Association President.
Concluding the evening, Stuart Robinson presented the “Heinz Ahlmeyer Award” for a student-athlete whose dedication, perseverance and service beyond self, to senior, Mark Otto (Sewell, NJ). Mark is a leader in the pool and in the community, he earned the Chancellor’s Award of Excellence and participated in the Adopt a Family Program, taking up collection for a family in need. Otto also led the Hawks swim team as a senior captain, capturing the SUNYAC Championship in the 200 freestyle event as well as qualifying for the ECAC championship.
