Paul K. Waring '38 Male Athlete of the Year
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Zach Desrochers
Men's Track & Field
In the throwing arena, this young man has proven himself time and time again, qualifying for seven post-season events. This season, he earned All-American status in the winter, finishing seventh overall in the weight toss at the 2012 NCAA Division III Indoor Track & Field Championships.
In addition, he has earned the opportunity to qualify for his second NCAA Championship event during the spring as he currently ranks 11th in the nation in the discus and 16th overall in the hammer throw.
Paul K. Waring '38 Male Athlete of the Year
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Joesph Caveney
Ice Hockey
As a member of the Fitchburg State hockey team, this young man completed a career season for the Falcons, scoring 47 points on 17 goals and 30 assists.
His 1.74 points per game ranked first in the nation among all Division III schools, while his 47 points led both the team and the MASCAC.
This young man dominated the conference like no other, earning first team All-Conference honors and MASCAC Ice Hockey Player of the Year accolades. More recently, he was crowned the 2012-13 NCAA Division III statistical champion for points per game, assists per game and power play goals.
Paul K. Waring '38 Female Athlete of the Year
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Jamie Kelley
Field Hockey
This young lady concluded her four-year career with a stellar season for the Fitchburg State field hockey team. She ranked first on the team in scoring, posting 49 points with 21 goals and 7 assists.
She finished her career as the program’s all-time assists leader with 33, while finishing second all-time in points and goals scored. For her efforts, she was named to the 2012 Little East All-Conference first team.
Male Senior Scholar Athlete of the Year
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Will Lary
Cross Country, Track &
Field
Will is a four-year member of the Fitchburg State cross country team, indoor track team and outdoor track team.
On the track, he has qualified for numerous post-season events, including the D3 Championships, All-New England Championships and ECAC Championships. More recently, he claimed top honors at the MASCAC Championships with a time of 9:39 in the 3000m steeple chase.
Upon graduating with a 3.78 GPA, this young man will earn a double-major in Psychology and Biology, while also holding a minor in Leadership.
Female Senior Scholar Athlete of the Year
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Sammi Gorman
Women's Lacrosse
On the field, Sammi has appeared in 31 games over her two-year career with the Falcons and has played an important defensive role in the Falcons four consecutive playoff berths.
Off the field, she has been an inspiration for all, creating a non-profit organization called “Endless Cradle,” to generate money and awareness for organ donations. In addition, she holds a 3.72 GPA in Communications Film/Media and upon graduation will be interning with the Boston Cannons of Major League Lacrosse.
Male Leadership Award
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Michael
Grasela
Cross-Country, Track & Field
This year’s recipient of the Male Athletic Leadership Award is truly a leader in every sense of the word.
He has consistently motivated his peers by example, leading the Fitchburg State cross country team, indoor track team and outdoor track team as captain for the past two season.
Throughout his time, he has been very active both in the community and on the Student Athlete Advisory Committee. In addition, he has taken on a major role in recruiting for all 3 teams and this season, earned several post-season honors, qualifying for the MASCAC Championships in the 1000m run, 1500m run, 5000m run and 3000m steeplechase.
Female Leadership Award
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Chenice Branquinho
Cross Country, Track & Field
Through her hard work and outstanding leadership, this young woman set a pair of personal records this season, both in the mile and in the 3000m run. She currently ranks third all time in both the 10,000m run and the 5,000m run.
In addition to maintaining stellar grades in a very difficult Nursing program, managing internships, being a campus tour guide and peer tutor, this young lady also managed to qualify for three MASCAC post-season events this season, while also collecting a pair of D3 New England marks.
Kruzcek Award
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Madeline
Merchant
Women's Basketball
This year’s winner has certainly done that as she has faced personal challenges head-on and has continued to succeed academically and athletically. Despite significant distractions, she has continued to battle and work toward her goals.
This season, this young lady led the women’s basketball team back to the MASCAC playoffs, serving a primary role off the bench. She appeared in 24 games for the Falcons, averaging 6.1 points per game while ranking second overall in rebounding and steals.
Male Rookie of the Year
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Ryan
Connolly
Ice Hockey
This year’s male Rookie of the Year Award is presented to a freshman, Criminal Justice major from Wappingers Falls, N.Y. As a member of the Fitchburg State ice hockey team, this young man made a significant impact in the Falcons pursuit of a 2013 MASCAC playoff run.
Over the course of the season, he tallied 26 points, finishing third on the team in scoring with a team-best 17 goals and 9 assists. For his efforts, he was tabbed the MASCAC Ice Hockey Rookie of the Year.
Female Rookie of the Year
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Tori Cyrus
Softball
This year’s female Rookie of the Year Award is presented to a freshman, Elementary Education major from Everett, Mass. As a member of both the Fitchburg State women’s basketball team and softball team, this young lady made a significant impact on a pair of Falcon playoff runs.
On the court, she finished third on the team in assists with 46, while shooting 28.6% from beyond the arc. On the diamond, she led the softball team in several categories, including batting average, hits, doubles, triples and RBI.
For her efforts, Cyrus was selected as the 2013 MASCAC softball Co-Rookie of the Year as voted on by the league coaches.
Recognition Award
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Walter Paschal
Women's Basketball
Walter Paschal, a 14-year member of the Fitchburg State women's basketball coaching stafff, concluded his time at Fitchburg State as the program's all-time winningest coach with an overall record of 200-164-0.
Leading the Falcons to their first MASCAC Tournament Championship as well as their first NCAA Division III Tournament appearance in 2007, while guiding Fitchburg State to a program best 26 victories that season.