SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – The Union College men's lacrosse team held its end-of season banquet on Sunday, May 18 at Old Chapel. Senior captain Tom Simmons (Salisbury, Conn.) was named the team's most valuable player and also earned a captain's award.

 

A midfielder and two-year captain, Simmons started every game and recorded 25 points on 17 goals and 18 assists. He was a Liberty League Honorable Mention and All-Academic selection.

 

Defenseman Derek Witheford (Wellesley, Mass.) earned the rising star award, given to the team's outstanding freshman. A Liberty League Honorable Mention selection, Witheford started 16 of 17 games and led the team in caused turnovers. He was a starter on the man-down unit and covered opponents' top attackmen.

 

Junior goaltender Chris Keinath (Wilbraham, Mass.) was named the team's defensive MVP. Keinath posted an 11-5 record in 16 starts with a 7.70 goals against average and a .579 save percentage. He was named to the inaugural Graph-Tex Division III New York State Second Team and was a Liberty League Honorable Mention and All-Academic selection.

 

Senior captain Jon Miller (Yarmouth, Maine), who led the team with 37 points on 33 goals and four assists, was tabbed the team's offensive MVP. Miller, who also earned a captain's award, was a unanimous Liberty League First Team selection and an inaugural Graph-Tex Division III New York State Second Team honoree.

 

Senior captain Alex Zani (Winchester, Mass.) was named the recipient of the heart and soul award. A leader on and off the field, the defender started 16 of 17 games and received a captain's award. Zani was also a Liberty League All-Academic team honoree.

 

Senior captain Dane Jorgensen (Ridgewood, N.J.) also received a captain's award at the banquet. A defender, Jorgensen started 16 of 17 games for the Dutchmen.

 

Stephen Ritterbush '68, a current member of the Union College board of trustees, delivered the keynote address. Mr. Ritterbush was a four-year member of the lacrosse team, serving as captain as a senior, and was his class president in all four years.

 

Keinath, midfielder Kevin Rautenstrauch (West Seneca, N.Y.) and midfielder Scott Garibaldi (Summit, N.J.) will captain the 2009 squad under 2008 Liberty League Coach of the Year Paul Wehrum, who will begin his third season at the helm of the Union program.