The Emmanuel Athletic Department hosted its annual Awards Night and Dessert Reception on Saturday, April 24th, in the Marian Hall Dining Hall on the campus of Emmanuel College. Team members from each of Emmanuel's 15 athletic teams, as well as the dance and cheerleading teams were recognized. Sport-specific academic and athletic awards were presented to five student-athletes on each of the teams. Senior-athlete awards and a freshman of the year award were presented at the conclusion of the ceremony. Men's volleyball captain Michael Townsend '10 addressed the audience with a thoughtful and articulate speech that wrapped up a memorable evening.

Emmanuel College Athletic Director Pam Roecker opened the night by welcoming everyone to the celebration of Emmanuel's individual student-athletes, team and coaches. Roecker discussed the milestone year in the history of Emmanuel College Athletics. She highlighted the grand opening of Roberto Clemente Field in August, the debut of Emmanuel's varsity men's golf program, and announced the expansion of the Saints' athletic program with the addition of women's and men's lacrosse. Roecker also used the occasion to introduce and publicly welcome Amanda Laws, the new head women's lacrosse coach, and Director of Lacrosse/Head Men's Lacrosse Coach Brendan McWilliams to the Saints' athletic family.

Roecker also highlighted several amazing team performances including, the women's basketball team winning its fourth-straight GNAC championship and fourth trip to the NCAA tournament, the women's soccer team advancing to the GNAC championship for the second-straight season and eventual trip to the ECACs, the women's volleyball team's return to postseason play with an ECAC bid, the women's tennis upset victory over JWU in the quarterfinals setting up a return trip to the GNAC semifinals, the men's volleyball program's record 27 victories and trip to the NECVA tournament (its third postseason trip in four years) and the cross country and track programs posting an extraordinary number of record-setting performances. Head Men's Volleyball Coach Chris Wright was also recognized for the various coaching awards he received earlier this month.

For a full list of student-athlete awards from the 2010 Emmanuel College Athletic Awards Night visit www.goecsaints.com.