News Detail

Fall Athletic Banquet	11/24/2008
(left to right) Mitch Ott, Luke Fragello, Lindsey Bobb, Kasey Benton, Amanda Knowles, Kate Byrne, Matt Krisko, Chelsea Trees, Scott Petak, Amanda Woleslagle, Ralin Pierce and Connor Walsh Mount Aloysius concluded the fall sports seasons with its annual Fall Athletic Banquet.   This was the first Athletic Banquet for first-year athletic director Ryan Smith.  The new Mountie mentor spoke to those in attendance about his gratitude for the student-athletes' efforts. "I am proud of this group of athletes," Smith said.  "They overcame adversity and demonstrated sincere resilience.  They laid the foundation for our athletic department as we embark on our first year as full NCAA members." Men's golf coach Aaron Patalune recognized junior Scott Petak as his team's most valuable player, and presented Matt Krisko with his coach's award. First-year women's soccer head coach Barry Snyder named former Altoona High School standout Kasey Benton as his team's MVP, and senior goalkeeper Lindsey Bobb the coach's award recipient. Snyder was one of three first-year head coaches on the Mount Aloysius staff this fall.  Women's volleyball coach Brianna Baker and men's soccer coach Brad Griesheimer also completed their inaugural seasons. Griesheimer's players voted sophomore Mitch Ott as team MVP.  Luke Fragello accepted the men's soccer coach's award. Baker led the Lady Mounties volleyball team to its first ever AMCC postseason appearance.  Senior setter Kate Byrne was named team MVP.  Freshman Amanda Knowles earned second team all-conference honors and was given the coach's award. Coach Marilyn Bearer completed her sixth year at the Mount Aloysius cross country helm.  She recognized Ralin Pierce and John Waller as women's and men's coach's award winners.  Amanda Woleslagle and Connor Walsh were the teams' MVP's. Mount Aloysius board of trustees member Mike McLanahan concluded the evening's program with a few words of encouragement for the student-athletes.  McLanahan told the story of a former college football teammate of his who was physically undersized, yet full of enthusiasm and heart, who went onto become a highly successful businessman. "The annual athletic banquet is a nice way to conclude the season.  It is a chance to reflect on the year, and to recognize the sacrifices everyone has made along the way," Smith said.