Spring Break
Drexel men's lacrosse team receives CAA awards
By: Brett Fischer
Issue date: 5/11/07 Section: Sports
Originally published: 5/11/07 at 1:40 AM EST
Last update: 5/11/07 at 1:40 AM EST
Originally published: 5/11/07 at 1:40 AM EST
Last update: 5/11/07 at 1:40 AM EST
Even though the men's lacrosse team didn't make the NCAA Tournament, the efforts of the team were noted when it received three CAA postseason awards.
Coach Chris Bates was named the CAA Coach of the Year; defenseman Adam Crystal won the CAA Defensive Player of the Year; and Colin Ambler was named the CAA Rookie of the Year.
But they weren't the only players to receive praise from the Colonial Athletic Association.
Crystal, Bruce Bickford, Andrew Chapman and Steve Grossi were named First Team All-CAA. The men's lacrosse team proved that it had the young talent as well, as Ambler, Zak Fisher and Matt McCormick were named to the All-Rookie team.
Bates certainly deserved his award based on his team's headline-breaking performance throughout the season.
The men's lacrosse team went 11-5, giving it the second-highest win total in school history. The team also set a school record with three wins over Top 20 teams. In addition, his team won a share of Drexel's first CAA regular-season title, despite being picked fifth in the conference in the pre-season poll. The Dragons were ranked 15th in the country, even though they never had a national ranking before this season.
The Dragons also had one of the most memorable games in Drexel history when they defeated Virginia, the defending national champion, on the road in the first game of the season.
"It's a nice honor, based on the season that we had," Bates said. "I give our guys credit for working hard throughout the year. By being co-champions of the conference we were recognized for our accomplishments."
Crystal, a three-time All-CAA selection, a two-year captain and a preseason Honorable Mention All-America selection, had 39 ground balls this season. He was also one of 10 finalists for the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award for his excellence on the field and in the classroom.
Crystal was excited to win his award.
"It's a great honor and I'm real proud," Crystal said. "The other coaches in the league vote for these awards. There are a lot of great defensive guys in the league and to receive this award is special."
Coach Chris Bates was named the CAA Coach of the Year; defenseman Adam Crystal won the CAA Defensive Player of the Year; and Colin Ambler was named the CAA Rookie of the Year.
But they weren't the only players to receive praise from the Colonial Athletic Association.
Crystal, Bruce Bickford, Andrew Chapman and Steve Grossi were named First Team All-CAA. The men's lacrosse team proved that it had the young talent as well, as Ambler, Zak Fisher and Matt McCormick were named to the All-Rookie team.
Bates certainly deserved his award based on his team's headline-breaking performance throughout the season.
The men's lacrosse team went 11-5, giving it the second-highest win total in school history. The team also set a school record with three wins over Top 20 teams. In addition, his team won a share of Drexel's first CAA regular-season title, despite being picked fifth in the conference in the pre-season poll. The Dragons were ranked 15th in the country, even though they never had a national ranking before this season.
The Dragons also had one of the most memorable games in Drexel history when they defeated Virginia, the defending national champion, on the road in the first game of the season.
"It's a nice honor, based on the season that we had," Bates said. "I give our guys credit for working hard throughout the year. By being co-champions of the conference we were recognized for our accomplishments."
Crystal, a three-time All-CAA selection, a two-year captain and a preseason Honorable Mention All-America selection, had 39 ground balls this season. He was also one of 10 finalists for the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award for his excellence on the field and in the classroom.
Crystal was excited to win his award.
"It's a great honor and I'm real proud," Crystal said. "The other coaches in the league vote for these awards. There are a lot of great defensive guys in the league and to receive this award is special."
