Phillipich candidate for Lowe's Senior CLASS Award
1/3/2009 12:00:00 AM | Men's Ice Hockey
Jan. 3, 2009
Air Force senior Mike Phillipich is one of 20 collegiate hockey players named a candidate for the Lowe's Senior CLASS award, recognizing student-athletes who have combined excellence in athletics, academics and community service.
Phillipich, a right winger from Lansing, Mich., is in his second season as the team's captain. A systems engineering management major, he carries a 3.77 overall grade point average and a 3.87 GPA in his major. His has been on the dean's list every semester and is a three-time academic all-conference selection. The most valuable player of the Atlantic Hockey Association in 2007, Phillipich has played in 114 career games and has scored 84 career points.
The award is presented annually to an NCAA's Division I student-athlete in nine sports based on achievements in the "Four C's" of classroom, character, community and competition. CLASS is an acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School. The Lowe's Senior CLASS Award was launched in 2001 to honor the attributes of college basketball seniors who fulfill their entire athletic eligibility and pursue the many rewards of a senior season and complete college education.
Lowe's, an official Corporate Partner of the NCAA, expanded the Senior CLASS Award program in 2007 to include NCAA Division I men's ice hockey in addition to men's lacrosse, baseball, softball and men's and women's soccer. Football (Bowl Subdivision) has been added in 2008, bringing the award program's total of NCAA sports to nine.
From the list of 20 nominees, a national media committee will select 10 finalists for the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award by early February 2009. Those 10 names will be placed on the official ballot for a nationwide vote that will include coaches, media and fans. The award winner will be announced and recognized at the 2009 NCAA Frozen Four in Washington, D.C.
Lowe's recognizes that today's student-athletes are tomorrow's leaders," said Bob Gfeller, Lowe's Senior Vice President of Marketing and Advertising. "What the 20 award candidates have been able to accomplish despite demanding athletic training and classroom schedules is very impressive. We are honored to recognize these outstanding young people and look forward to announcing the winner at the NCAA Frozen Four."
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