Crusader Basketball Dominates Patriot League Honors

WORCESTER, Mass. – Members of the Holy Cross men’s and women’s basketball teams have been honored by the Patriot League.

The men’s team captured three of the four major individual awards. Senior guard Keith Simmons was named 2007 Patriot League Player of the Year and senior guard Torey Thomas took home 2007 Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year. Both were also selected to the first team All-Patriot League.

Holy Cross head coach Ralph Willard was tabbed as the Patriot League Coach of the Year award for the third time. He was also honored in 2001 and 2005.

On the women’s team, three players were recognized by the Patriot League, including All-League first-team selection center Kaitlin Foley ’07, second-team and rookie-team pick guard Bethany O’Dell ’10, and rookie-team selection Briana McFadden ’10. Holy Cross was one of three schools that had a League-high of three student-athletes honored.

Also, on the men’s team center Tim Clifford ’08 was named to the all-conference second team and forward Eric Meister ’10 was named to the Patriot League All-Rookie team.

The honors are determined following a vote of the Patriot League’s head coaches.

The Patriot League, which was founded on the principles of admitting athletes who are academically representative of their class, is in its second decade of academic and athletic achievement. Participation in athletics at Patriot League institutions is viewed as an important component of a well-rounded education. Along with Holy Cross, full League members include American, Army, Bucknell, Colgate, Lafayette, Lehigh and Navy. Associate members include Fordham (football) and Georgetown (football).

More information:

    * www.goholycross.com     * www.patriotleague.com