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UB Men's Cross Country Announces Awards

BUFFALO, NY – The University at Buffalo men’s cross country squad announced its team awards for the 2007 season. Head coach Vicki Mitchell made the following presentations: Ryan Bloom (Spencerport, NY/Spencerport) was selected as the Top Newcomer; Scott Dickover (Middletown, NY/Middletown) earned the Most Improved Player Award; Jacob Hagen (Amherst, NY/Sweet Home) received the Coaches’ Award; and Dan Giza (Lancaster, NY/Lancaster) was named Most Outstanding for the second consecutive season.

Ryan Bloom

The Top Newcomer Award is presented to the individual student-athlete who distinguishes himself as the most talented new player on the team or the individual who accomplishes the greatest achievements as a first-year player. Bloom competed in all seven of UB's races in 2007. He had a best finish of fifth place in 26:56.7 at the UB Stampede Open on September 22. He set his best 8K time of 25:54.84 with a 17th-place finish among 146 entrants at the Falcon Invitational on October 13.

Scott Dickover

The Most Improved Player Award is presented to the student-athlete who has made the greatest stride or improvement in his performance from the previous season or from the beginning of the season to the end of the season. Dickover raced in seven events and posted his fastest 8K time of 26:46.61 at the Falcon Invitational, placing 41st.

Jacob Hagen

The Coaches’ Award is selected by the head coach and is given to the student-athlete who best exemplifies the team virtues as defined by the head coach. The recipient is one who stands out in dedication, commitment, unselfishness and enthusiasm towards helping the team improve. Hagen competed in all seven meets for the Bulls. He set his best 8K mark of 26:47 at the Paul Short Invitational at Lehigh University on September 28.

Dan Giza

The Most Outstanding Award is given to the student-athlete who makes the most significant contribution to the accomplishments of the team through his skills and leadership. Giza was UB's top finisher in each of the six races he entered. He won the UB Stampede Open in 26:14.6 and set his season-best 8K time of 25:23.69 as he took fourth place at the Falcon Invitational. Giza also placed 26th among 76 entrants at the Mid-American Conference Championships in 25:49.8 for 8K.

The Bulls finished seventh of nine schools at the MAC Championships in Mt. Pleasant, MI. UB also placed 18th of 34 squads at the NCAA Northeast Regional Championships in Boston.