After a long and well earned season, everyone wrapped up things at our annual Team Banquet with the team, family, friends, and fans. After a delicious buffet, Coach Dan Hunter handed out several awards for guys who play the sport well and more importantly for what it means to play the game.
Kyle Lieurance recieved this year's Most Improved Player Award. " Over the regular season he was a key member of our defense [and] was called upon to be a starter in only his fourth game ever played. Later, he was called upon to single-handedly shut-down one of the league’s top goal-scorers to only one goal in a 12-3 win over Northern Arizona." -Coach Hunter
This year's Offensive MVP went to Michael "Bud" Ribley. "He has been one of our most consistent goal scorers over the last three seasons. [This season], he competed in all 13 regular-season games, posting 28 goals, 4 assists,... two 5-goal games and three hat-tricks." -Coach Hunter
Defensive MVP honors went to Trent Noonan this year. "Over the regular season he was the core of our defense that held opponents to a Conference-best average of only 8 goals per game. He has been one of our most consistent players and even got involved on offense, posting two goals and one assist." -Coach Hunter
The 2007 Team MVP Award went to Scott "Aflac" O'Connor. "He has spent countless hours of his own personal time working as 'my most trusted advisor', helping to make important decisions that affect the organization and direction of this team. His contributions to the team, on and off the field, over the last four years will continue to have an impact on Mines Lacrosse even after he has graduated. I believe that we can all agree that this season’s Team MVP will be leaving Mines Lacrosse better than he found it." -Coach Hunter
Finally, this year's Oredigger Award (or spirit award) went to Michael Stone. " He has been involved with the team from a player stand-point and from an administrative stand-point. His leadership qualities are rare. I can’t wait to see what kind of impact this year’s Oredigger Award recipient will have on the team over the next two years." -Coach Hunter
All of these players earned thier awards through dedication of character and time. Also, everyone recieved a few words of thanks for their time and effort this season and recieved a 2007 team picture.
Thanks to Coach Hunter for putting together a great ceremony. -Mike Stone
