RIVERDALE, N.Y. – The Manhattan College Athletic Department hosted its 69^th annual Block M Awards Banquet on Wednesday evening to recognize the widespread success of its 19 Division I athletic programs. Over 300 student-athletes received a certificate of merit for their participation on an athletic team during the 2008-09 academic year, and each team recognized its Most Outstanding Performer and Jasper Academic Award Winner.

Director of Athletics Robert Byrnes presented the John Daly Community Service Award to the college’s Vice President of Student Life Brother Robert Berger, F.S.C. and the Junius Kellogg Service Award to Dr. James Suarez, Dean of the School of Business. The John Daly Award is given to an individual who enhances the well being of the student-athletes and dedicates countless hours of service to the Manhattan College and local communities. The Junius Kellogg Award is also an annual accolade which is presented to a leader in the Manhattan community who stands for integrity and serves as the ideal role model to student-athletes.

The Most Outstanding Performer Award is given to a student-athlete for their exceptional athletic achievements. One the men’s side, Kevin Nieto (Baseball), Darryl Crawford (Basketball), Milos Vuckovic (Cross Country), Kosta Randjic (Indoor Track & Field), Albert Johnson III (Outdoor Track & Field), Nick LaBanca (Golf), James Synowiez (Lacrosse), Sean Morin (Soccer) and Matt Kaftanski (Swimming) received this prestigious honor. Among the women’s teams, Manhattan recognized Kelly Regan (Basketball), Ellen Dobbin (Cross Country), Malin Marmbrandt (Indoor Track & Field), Siri Fagerlund (Outdoor Track & Field), Keri Morrison (Lacrosse), Brittany Duhamel (Soccer), Ashley Rampino (Softball), Bridget Latino (Swimming), Casey Conklin (Tennis) and Sherryta Stokes (Volleyball).

The Jasper Award highlights a senior student-athlete who carries the highest GPA for their respective team. Award winners include: