It's that time of the year again, when Virginia men's lacrosse head coach Dom Starsia takes the time to name the recipients of the team awards for the 2002 lacrosse season.
There was no surprise when Starsia announced there were co-winners of the Dr. Allen Voshell award for the team's most valuable player. Senior Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year Mark Koontz and three time All-American Conor Gill were named the winners of the team MVP for outstanding performance during the 2002 campaign.
Koontz had a wonderful year on and off the field as he was the first defensive player in 10 years to garner the ACC's highest award. Also recognized for excellence off the field, Koontz unfortunately hurt his knee in the ACC Championships, which caused him to miss the NCAA tournament.
Virginia's other starting senior, Gill, led the league in scoring and assists for the third consecutive season. Gill finished second all time in the ACC with 146 assists. Nine of those assists came in a record breaking game over Cornell.
Junior midfielder Chris Rotelli was named the top offensive player on a club that was full of talented attackers. He was the lone Cavalier representative on the first team All-American squad this season. Rotelli scored 24 goals and came up with a career high 10 assists. He finished 12th in the ACC in scoring.
Sophomore phenom goalie Tillman Johnson received the team's defensive team award. Johnson had a breakout season after a solid freshman year, with a great NCAA tournament. In only two years he had 325 saves, which ranks 12th all-time on Virginia's career save list.
Starsia said he was excited with the way his team played this season, and knows better things are to come with the core of the team returning. He was glad to recognize the seniors
"This past season was one of the most memorable of recent years," Starsia said. "A young Virginia team worked hard, overcame some key injuries and played in one of the most exciting semifinal games in NCAA Tournament history. The double overtime loss to Syracuse did not diminish the effort and leadership of some key players. It is our honor to recognize the quality of those efforts with this announcement today."
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Other players recognized Monday were senior midfielder Eric Leibowitz, who received the Harry Gaver award for leadership, and senior defensiveman Ryan Myerberg, who received the Lawrie Riggs Award for commitment and citizenship. Both players contributed in doing the little things necessary for a long championship run.
Junior defenseman Ned Bowan was named the team's most improved player, especially after he stepped in and took time left by the injured Mark Koontz. Sophomore defenseman Kevin McGrath was awarded the E. Doyle Smith award for excellence in the classroom. He had the highest GPA on the team at a 3.7.
Midfielder Trey Whitty received the last honor, winning the "Class of '99 Unsung Hero Award," after leading the team with 77 ground balls. That was the most by a long stickman since 1994.
Though this was his last season at Virginia, Gill described what his four years were like.
"I loved playing here under coach Starsia," Gill said. "We had a lot of success and the team was a great group of guys."
With everyone on the team returning next season, save for Koontz and Gill, and an influx of talented freshman, the Cavaliers are expected to contend for a national championship next season as well.
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