WORCESTER, Mass. – Holy Cross student-athletes and teams were honored for their outstanding achievements on Monday night, during the second annual Crusader Awards. The celebratory event was held in Downtown Worcester at the historic Mechanics Hall.
Student-athletes, coaches, staff and esteemed guests in the audience were treated to a variety of entertainment throughout the evening, including video segments and onstage musical performances, plus one major surprise that you'll just have to see to believe!
The show opened with a video of a few student-athletes who performed karaoke in a car. "Being a part of the show was an absolute blast. From making new friends while taping the carpool karaoke video to standing on stage seeing everyone dressed to the nines, I enjoyed it tremendously. I'm already looking forward to next year's show," said freshman men's hockey goaltender Tommy Nixon, who drove the musical vehicle.
The videos continued, including one that featured Director of Athletics Nathan Pine displaying his athletic prowess as a multi-sport athlete and coaches and staff responding to a few negative things said about them on social media. Coach impressions, a student-athlete favorite, had the crowd erupting in laughter.
We like to think of our student-athletes at Holy Cross as multidimensional men and women who thrive at activities other than sports. In this case, two groups of student-athletes took the stage to perform a mix of original music and cover songs. Dean Doe, Andrew Rhodes, and Travis DeGoey of the football team performed a cover of Thomas Rhett's "Die A Happy Man". Nate Chung & 33 Easy, comprised of Nate Chung of men's lacrosse, Jonah Choe of men's golf, Sean Horan of men's rowing and three friends performed a high energy jam.
Multiple student-athletes were commended for their contributions to the Holy Cross Leadership Academy and for their outstanding academic achievements.
It was a special night for former student-athletes, as well. Members of the Patriot League 25th Anniversary Teams were recognized, and those in attendance were honored in a special on-stage ceremony.
Truly, the 2016 Crusader Awards was one for the ages.
Scroll down to read about the award winners and watch the show in its entirety!
Women's Team of the Year
Ice Hockey, who captured their second-straight NEHC Open Tournament Championship.
Men's Team of the Year
Basketball, which finished their season with a memorable Patriot League Tournament Championship run and a victory in the NCAA Tournament.
Female Athlete of the Year
Izzy Bagi, Ice Hockey. Bagi scored 10 goals, made 22 assists, and was selected to the All-New England Team.
Male Athlete of the Year
Robert Champion, Basketball. Champion averaged 12.0 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 36.0 3FG%, and was the team's leading scorer in the NCAA Tournament.
Game of the Year
Men's Basketball's thrilling double overtime win at Bucknell in Patriot League Quarterfinals.
Best Play of the Year
Robert Champion's incredible 3-pointer vs. Bucknell in the men's basketball Patriot League Quarterfinals. View the play by clicking here.
Best Women's Record-Breaking Performance
The women's ice hockey team set program records in 2015-16 by completing an 18-game winning streak and achieving a perfect 12-0 home record.
Best Men's Record-Breaking Performance
Brendan Flaherty, Football. Flaherty had a phenomenal fall and set the Patriot League single-season record with 106 receptions.
Female Breakthrough Athlete of the Year
Julie Matthias, Women's Ice Hockey. Matthias scored 17 goals, had 6 assists, and was named to the NEHC All-Rookie Team.
Male Breakthrough Athlete of the Year
Karl Charles, Men's Basketball. Charles averaged 10.6 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 2.5 APG, and was named to the Patriot League All-Rookie Team.
Crusader in the Community
Erin Hillis of Women's Swimming and Diving served as the Co-Chair of the Dance Marathon that supported the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.
Watch the Full Show!
The complete video broadcast of the Crusader Awards can be viewed below (show begins approximately nine minutes into the video).
