Tigers Post 2019 Team Awards
The Wittenberg men's lacrosse team finished their 2019 fall ball season. The Wittenberg Tiger team awards are all voted on by their fellow Tiger teammates and presented at this year's banquet.
The Newcomer of the Year was awarded to freshman Mario Lorelli. Lorelli appeared in 15 games, picking up 19 ground balls for the Red and White, while causing seven turnovers and is looking forward to adding to the success in the upcoming season.
Freshman Thomas Delafield was nominated for the Most Improved of the Tiger team. Delafield showed improvement in all eight games throughout the 2019 campaign. Delafield had six ground balls and three caused turnovers to his credit.
The Offensive MVP award goes to sophomore Andrew Ellis. Ellis proved to be a crucial part of the Tiger offense, leading the attack with 33 goals, 20 assists, adding 36 ground balls, along with a shooting percentage of 73 percent.
The Wittenberg Defensive MVP was awarded to junior Tony LeBarge. LeBarge was one of the Tiger's top defensive players and proved to be especially dangerous in the groundball game. He saw action in all 15 games last year. A crucial part of the Tiger defense leading the team with 99 ground balls and 52 caused turnovers.
Jerry Coyle and LeBarge were both voted team MVP at the conclusion of the 2019 season. Coyle and LeBarge started in all 15 games combining for a total of 139 ground balls and 59 caused turnovers. Both Coyle and LeBarge were named Team Leaders for Wittenberg in 2019, and exemplified throughout the season what it meant to be a Wittenberg lacrosse player throughout the season.
The Andy Nelson Award is named after the late Andy Nelson, who was the epitome of an unsung hero. Andy played every shift at 100%, whether it was in practice or in a game. Andy also was willing to do whatever was needed to help the team succeed. At the conclusion of the 2019 season, the Tiger's awarded the Andy Nelson Award to senior Beau Brewer. Brewer's senior campaign was unfortunately cut short due to a broken collar bone, but as a testament to his work ethic and respect by his teammates still was chosen for this honor.
Freshman Noah Mackin was honored with the Teammate of the Year award. Mackin didn't get to play during the 2019 season due to injury. As a testament to his team first mindset, Mackin still had an enormous impact on the team as a freshman. His positive attitude and willingness to help in any way he can is shown by being selected for this award.