Fitchburg State Holds Annual Athletics Awards Banquet
Thirty-eight senior athletes recognized at Senior Athletics Awards Banquet
FITCHBURG, Mass. – The Fitchburg State Athletics Department hosted its annual Senior Athletic Awards Banquet Monday evening as guests gathered at the Parkinson Gymnasium for a night that showcased the best of Falcons' Athletics.
Thirty-eight senior athletes were honored in the festivities, while ten Fitchburg State athletes were recognized with special awards, including the Paul K. Waring '38 Athlete of the Year Award, the Senior Scholar Athlete Award, the Sue Lauder Leadership Award, the Rookie of the Year Award, the Kruczek Award as well as the inaugural Fitchburg State Athletic Director's Award. In addition, members of all 17 Fitchburg State varsity sports were also recognized for their accomplishments on and off the field.
Paul K. Waring '38 Male Athlete of the Year – Brian McGrath, Ice Hockey
Senior Brian McGrath (Worcester, Mass.) helped guide the Falcons to the second seed in the MASCAC Ice Hockey post-season tournament with an overall record of 17-6-1 and a 14-3-1 mark within conference play.
He earned MASCAC All-Conference first team honors this year with a 1.98 goals against average and 14 wins in net. He is a two time first team all-conference award winner, the 2020 MASCAC Player of the Year and was just recently named an All-Star by the New England Division II and III Hockey Writers as well as team captain.
Paul K. Waring '38 Female Athlete of the Year – Molly Grass, Softball
Junior Molly Grass (Rockland, Mass.) helped guide the Fitchburg State softball team into the MASCAC Post-Season tournament for the ninth straight season.
She currently has a .363 batting average, team leading eight home run and 39 RBI. She has been named MASCAC player of the week multiple times this season. Molly also leads the MASCAC in home runs and RBI.
Male Senior Scholar Athlete – Jeremiah Maki, Men's Soccer
Senior Jeremiah Maki (Westminster, Mass.) achieved a 3.96 cumulative GPA as a Business Management student all while being a major contributor to his team throughout his career.
Female Senior Scholar Athlete – Jillian Laabs, Women's Volleyball
Senior Jillian Laabs (Dudley, Mass.) achieved a 3.83 cumulative GPA as a Business Administration major while being a three-year member and leader on her team.
Male Sue Lauder Leadership Award – Nicholas Sachetta, Men's Cross Country/Track & Field
Senior Nicholas Sachetta (Billerica, Mass.) has a 3.94 cumulative GPA and has served as a team captain for two years. In addition, he is an RA on campus. Nick continuously works to create a positive spirit on the team and leads by example, while also a positive vocal leader and actively supports everyone on the team.
Female Sue Lauder Leadership Award – Julia Miele, Women's Lacrosse
Senior Julia Miele (South Hadley, Mass.) has a 3.68 cumulative GPA and served as a team captain for the past two season. In addition to athletics, Julia has worked all four years in either the athletics department or the recreation center and was named the outstanding senior in the Early Childhood Education major. Julia is the true heart and soul of her team and a positive force throughout the department.
Male Rookie of the Year – Taban Manyok, Men's Cross Country/Track & Field
Sophomore Taban Manyok (Lynn, Mass.) dominated in his first season for the Falcons on the race course as he was named the MASCAC Runner and Rookie of the Week five times throughout the course of the season and capped the season off by being named MASCAC Rookie of the Year and MASCAC Runner of the Year, while also placing 19th at the NCAA Regional Qualifying meet for New England.
Female Rookie of the Year – Alexis Raymond, Field Hockey/Women's Lacrosse
Freshman (Alexis Raymond (Tewksbury, Mass.) started all 18 games for the field hockey team, while leading the team in goals, assists and points. In addition Alexis was given the Little East Conference 12th Player Award. In women's lacrosse, Raymond started all 17 games for the Green and Gold, while ranking fifth in points, third in assists and led the team in ground balls as well as being named MASCAC Rookie of the Week once.
Kruczek Award – Linnea D'Acchille, Football
Senior Linnea D'Acchille (Valley Falls, N.Y.) truly exemplifies courage and breaking down any barriers that stood in her way. Being the only female member of an all-male team, Linnea has never down. Whether she knows it or not, Linnea is a pioneer, a great role modle for young women and proof that if someone puts their mind towards something, it can be achieved.
Even though her season was shortened this past season due to injuries suffered in a car accident, she still returned to kick an extra point on senior day, one of her eight career extra points.
Fitchburg State Athletic Director's Award – Tim Foley
This is the inaugural year that this award will be presented and is presented to a student who provided outstanding service and/or support for Fitchburg State Athletics
Tim Foley has truly left a lasting legacy on the Fitchburg State sports programs that will be remembered for a long time. Known as the voice of the Falcons, he has provided outstanding commentary of our webcast. In addition to some of the most iconic calls from the past four years.
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For more information regarding the Fitchburg State Athletic Awards Banquet, please contact Assistant Sports Information Director Jamie Rogers via email at jrogers@fitchburgstate.edu.