(Fond du Lac, WI) – Marian University recently announced its Student-Athletes-of-the-Year awards at the Student Recognition Banquet and seniors Ryan Hitchcock (Butte, MT) and Danielle Grable (Neenah, WI) were proud recipients of the awards for the 2009-2010 school year.
Hitchcock, a senior defenseman and assistant captain on the men’s hockey team, helped lead the Sabres to their best record (20-7, 18-2 MCHA) in school history. He was also the Male Student-Ahtlete-of-the-Year last season. He played in 27 games and scored 18 points (5G/13A) this past season and finished up with 110 games played and 43 points (13G/30A) in his career.
Hitchcock, who also plays on the men’s golf team, is an Economics and Finance major and an Information Technology minor. He has been on the Dean’s List all four years at Marian and was named the Economics and Finance Student-of-the-Year this past year. He has also been rewarded for his work in the classroom by the MCHA, as he is a three-time All-MCHA Academic Team selection. He currently holds a 3.96 GPA. Hitchcock also serves as the hockey representative for the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).
Head men’s hockey coach, Jasen Wise had this to say about Hitchcock. “Winning the Male Student-Athlete-of-the Year for a second time is a great accomplishment and it couldn’t go to a better person. Ryan was a captain for the men’s golf team and assistant captain for the men’s hockey team. His leadership and dedication to both sports is a great example for young student-athletes. He excels in two sports, works part-time on campus, and maintains a 3.96 cumulative GPA. His work ethic is outshined only by his positive attitude and willingness to help others. The men’s hockey team, men’s golf team, and the Marian community are lucky to have a person like Ryan. Speaking for both men’s hockey and men’s golf, we are very excited for him and happy for his family. It is an award that is well deserved.”
Grable, a Nursing major, finished off a successful two-year career at Marian in women’s soccer this past season. Grable led the Sabres to an 11-7-1 overall record this past season and into the NAC Tournament Semifinal game. Grable led the team in scoring with 31 points (13G/5A) and recorded three game-winners.
Grable was honored for her efforts this past season, as she was named to the Northern Athletics Conference First Team. She was also named a NSCAA Honorable Mention All-Central Region selection and was a 2009 CoSIDA/ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District selection.
Grable, who played her first two years at UW-Oshkosh, left her mark on the Marian record book in her two seasons. She finishes 11th on the All-Time Scoring list with 57 points (22G/13A) and 4th in game-winning goals, with 7.
Marian University Athletic Director, Doug Hammonds commented on Grable’s accomplishments. “Danielle is a true student-athlete. She excels in the classroom and was a leader on the playing field. She left her mark on the women’s soccer program, despite only playing two years for Marian. We wish her nothing but luck in her future endeavors.”