Oct. 16, 2008
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Senior midfielder Sam Cronin was named as one of 10 finalists for the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award in the men's soccer division, as announced on Thursday afternoon. As one of 10 finalists, Cronin's name will now be placed on the official ballot for a nationwide vote beginning October 16 and concluding November 19. Votes from coaches and media will be coupled with fan balloting to determine the winner of the award. Fans can vote online during this time period at www.seniorclassaward.com. Finalists were selected from a list of 30 candidates in each division, based on personal qualities that define a complete student-athlete. Each finalist displays numerous accomplishments across all four award pillars: classroom, community, character and competition. Cronin has started all 87 games in his career at Wake Forest. A 2008 Hermann Trophy candidate, Cronin has scored four goals and added two assists during the 2008 season to help lead the Demon Deacons to a 13-0 record and a No. 1 national ranking. For his career, Cronin, who was a 2007 Soccer America First Team MVP, has 11 goals and 17 assists. Cronin has also performed well in the classroom, maintaining a 3.295 grade point average entering the fall. The Winston-Salem native will graduate from Wake Forest in December with a degree in political science. He was named to the 2007 ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District III Second Team. Cronin has been named to the Dean's List five times in his academic career and is a three-time member of the ACC Honor Roll. Cronin has also been actively involved in numerous community service projects while at Wake Forest. He has volunteered time for programs such as Eat with the Deacs, Ronald McDonald House, Read Across America and Athletes Supporting Athletes. Cronin has been a member of the Wake Forest Student Athlete-Advisory Committee since 2006 and served as the Wake Forest ACC SAAC representative in 2006 and 2007.
An acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School, the award was launched during the 2001-02 season in response to the trend of college basketball players leaving early to turn professional. The award was conceived by sportscaster Dick Enberg, who continues to serve as Honorary Chairman, and has recognized winners in men's and women's basketball for seven years. Lowe's extended the award in 2006 to include baseball, softball, men's hockey and men's lacrosse, then in 2007 added men's and women's soccer. The award will also include the sport of football this fall, bringing the total awards program to nine NCAA Division I sports. For more information on the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award, visit www.seniorclassaward.com. 2008 Lowe's Senior CLASS Award Finalists |
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