Athletics Communications/Provided
From left: Ryan Hurley, Alyson Intihar, Colin Greening, Pierce Derkac
Four Big Red athletes are among final candidates for national achievement awards
It's no secret that Cornell's student-athletes excel both on the field and in the classroom and that many also volunteer in the community and serve as leaders on campus.
As a result, Cornell has routinely had student-athletes recognized by the Lowe's Senior CLASS (Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School) Awards. And this year, the Big Red has had unprecedented success with one finalist in the hockey division -- Colin Greening -- and three candidates -- Alyson Intihar (softball), Pierce Derkac (lacrosse) and Ryan Hurley (lacrosse).
The awards are given annually to seniors around the country who best exemplify excellence in the classroom, character, community and competition; and celebrate the loyalty of seniors who honor a four-year commitment to their university.
In the past, Cornell has had two winners -- Max Seibald '09 and Matt McMonagle '07 -- as well as numerous candidates and finalists.
Greening, a seventh-round draft pick of the Ottawa Senators in 2005, recently became the 45th player in Cornell hockey history to record 100 career points. He serves as captain of the Big Red, boasts a 3.95 grade-point average and is highly involved in community service. To read Greening's full bio, visit: http://www.seniorclassaward.com/athletes/colin_greening/.
"It's a huge honor to be a finalist for this award," said Greening. "To see the bios of the other finalists and to see the contributions they make in their own communities, it makes you feel very special to be in that group."
As one of 10 finalists, fans can vote for Greening at http:www.seniorclassaward.com until March 16; the winner will be announced at the NCAA Men's Frozen Four in April.
Intihar is one of 30 candidates for the softball award, while Derkac and Hurley are among 20 candidates for men's lacrosse. The trio will find out if they make the cut when the list is narrowed to 10 finalists midway through their respective seasons.
A two-time member of the ESPN/CoSIDA Academic All-District team, Intihar ranks in the top 10 at Cornell in 16 different statistical categories in softball. She also serves as the co-president of the Red Key Athletic Honorary Society and sits on the executive board of the Student-Athlete Advisory Council. To read her full bio, visit: http://www.seniorclassaward.com/athletes/alyson_intihar/.
"It is truly a testament to Cornell and our softball program, as each has molded me into the person I am, on and off the field," said Intihar. "I try to work hard and to push myself to new levels in everything that I do, and I feel flattered and humbled to be recognized for that."
Derkac and Hurley, co-captains of the men's lacrosse team, are the leaders of the Big Red's defense and offense, respectively. The pair is active in such community service projects as the Save The Day program, the Big Red Readers and the 21 Run. Their full bios are at http://www.seniorclassaward.com/athletes/pierce_derkac/ and http://www.seniorclassaward.com/athletes/ryan_hurley/.
"I am honored to be included in the company of my teammates who were nominated over the last several years," said Derkac. "By their example, I have found that dedication to academic, athletic and community endeavors has tremendously enhanced my life, my college experience and hopefully the lives of others."
"Through the efforts of our coaching staff and past senior classes, a commitment to classroom, character, community and competition have become what are expected of every member on our team," added Hurley.
Julie Greco is associate director of Cornell Athletic Communications.