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March 5, 2003
Washington, D.C. – UVa men’s lacrosse players Chris Rotelli, Tillman Johnson and John Christmas are among 16 candidates named candidates for the third annual Tewaaraton Trophy, the most cherished and prestigious award a varsity lacrosse player can receive and a symbol of excellence in college lacrosse. Virginia leads the list with three nominees.
In addition, A.J. Shannon and Brett Hughes have been named “Players to Watch” by the selection committee.
Rotelli is considered on of the nation’s top midfielders. He was UVa’s lone first-team All-American last season after scoring 24 goals. A preseason first-team All-American this year, he is second on the team with five goals and eight points after two games this season.
A preseason first-team All-American, Johnson is in his third season as the Cavaliers’ starter in goal. He is the only Division I goalie named to the initial list this year. Johnson recorded 173 saves last season and was the first sophomore All-ACC goalie since 1983.
One of the most dynamic players in the country, Christmas is the only sophomore on the list of candidates. He scored four goals, including the game winner, in Virginia’s 16-15 upset of top-ranked Syracuse last Saturday. Christmas scored 29 goals last spring and was named National Rookie of the Year.
Owner of one of the hardest shots in the game, Shannon is off to a flying start this season. He has scored nine goals in two games to rank fourth in the nation. He has scored 65 goals in his career, tops among active ACC players.
Hughes is one of the most outstanding defensemen in the country. In his third year as a starter, he draws the opposition’s top attackman. In UVa’s win over Syracuse last week, he held Michael Powell to just two assists, just the fourth time he’s ever been held without a goal.
The Tewaaraton Trophy is presented annually to the top female and male varsity collegiate lacrosse players in the United States. Scholarship money is given to the winners’ college or university general scholarship fund. The Foundation committee honors Native American heritage with the name “Tewaaraton,” the name the Mohawk nation gave to their game and the progenitor of present day lacrosse and has received approval from the Mohawk Council of Elders.
The Tewaaraton Trophy Awards Dinner will be presented at The University Club of Washington, D.C. on June 4, 2003 at a banquet honoring the finalists and winners.
Top 16 Men (listed alphabetically)
Name / Position / School
Ryan Boyle / Attack / Princeton
Kevin Cassese / Midfield / Duke
John Christmas / Attack / Virginia
Damien Davis / Defense / Princeton
Adam Doneger / Midfield / Johns Hopkins
Michael Howley / Defense / Maryland
Tillman Johnson / Goalie / Virginia
Kevin Leveille / Attack / Massachusetts
Ryan McClay / Defense / Cornell
Tim McGinnis / Goalie / Gettysburg
Mike Mollot / Midfield/Attack / Maryland
Michael Peyser / Defense / Johns Hopkins
Michael Powell / Attack / Syracuse
Chris Rotelli / Midfield / Virginia
Mike Springer / Attack / Syracuse
Kyle Sweeney / Long Stick Midfield / Georgetown
Players to Watch / Position / School
Dan Cocchi / Defense/Midfield / Towson
Brad Dumont / Midfield / Princeton
Brett Hughes / Defense / Virginia
Brian Hunt / Attack / Maryland
A.J. Shannon / Midfield / Virginia
Men’s Selection Committee:
Richie Moran (Chair), Cornell (retired)
Dick Edell (Vice Chair), Former Head Coach Maryland
Scott Anderson, Harvard
Tom Postel, C.W.Post
Erin Quinn, Middlebury
Dom Starsia, Virginia
Dave Urick, Georgetown