Alumni Support Saints at NCAA Tournament

Brian Gilloran '13 and Mike Reisman '80 - recipients of the "Chooch" Award

Nov. 19: Though the St. Lawrence University men's soccer team walked off the pitch without a win against Williams College last weekend, they were met by rounds of applause from a network of former players who recognized the efforts the Saints had given.

The 2012 season was the 50th in the men's soccer program's storied history, and numerous alumni continue to support and engage with the program.  This continual sign of solidarity was on display in Williamstown, MA.

"It's special to be a part of something like the St. Lawrence soccer community," said head men's coach Bob Durocher.  "We had guys coming to support us this weekend from all over the United States and from all different class years.  I also know there were plenty of guys who couldn't be there who were glued to their computers watching the action online."

Coach Durocher hosts an Alumni Weekend each spring, with over 60 former players returning for the annual alumni game and awards banquet.  This year, two new alumni awards were established and presented for the first time following the Saints' NCAA Tournament first round come-from-behind victory over Eastern Connecticut State: the Robbie Van Etten '80 Award and the "Chooch" Award, named after Mike Reisman ‘80.

The Robbie Van Etten Award honors a current player for being the consummate teammate.  The inaugural winner of this distinctive honor, voted by his captains, was sophomore Austin Roney.

"Austin is an outstanding choice to receive this award in Robbie Van Etten's memory," added Coach Durocher.  "He does everything that the coaches ask of him and goes above and beyond for each and every one of the guys in the locker room."

The 2013 men's soccer alumni weekend is currently scheduled for April 27, 2013.