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BUFFALO, NY - The University at Buffalo men's outdoor track and field squad presented its team awards for the 2001 season at the annual Athletic Awards Banquet held at Samuel's Grande Manor.

Head coach Dick Barry made the following presentations: Dan Simpson (Rochester, NY/Gates-Chili) was selected as the Top Newcomer; Bryan Lundy (Stormville, NY/Carmel) earned the Most Improved Player Award; Ben Moskel (Williamsville, NY/Williamsville South) received the Coach's Award; and Mike Commisso (Fulton, NY/G. Ray Bodley) was named the team's Most Valuable Player.

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. Simpson, a freshman pole vaulter, turned in his top vault of the season at the Akron Quad Meet on March 31 with a mark of 14-6 (4.42m). Simpson equalled the mark to win the event at the UB Open on April 14.

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. Lundy, a junior thrower, ranks second in the Mid-American Conference with his mark of 195-4 (59.54m) in the javelin at the Sea Ray Relays in Knoxville, TN on April 14 where he finished fourth. Lundy won the event at Ohio University's McDonald's Invitational with a mark of 184-10 (56.34m) a week earlier. Lundy also placed 19th at the prestigious Penn Relays at 181-0 (55.18m).

The Coach's 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. Moskel, a senior middle distance runner, turned in an 800-meter time of 1:53.84 at the Syracuse Invitational for his best mark of the season. The time is currently the 10th best in the Mid-American Conference this season. Moskel also was part of UB's record-setting 3200-meter relay squad (7:42.93) along with Commisso at the Alabama Relays in March. The squad placed fourth behind teams from Pittsburgh, Georgetown and Michigan State.

The Most Valuable Player Award is given to the student-athlete who makes the most significant contribution to the accomplishments of the team through his skills and leadership. Commisso , another senior middle distance runner, set the school record in the 800 meters at the Syracuse Invitational in 1:51.64, breaking his own record that he had set the previous week at the Sea Ray Relays at 1:51.83. Commisso's time is the third best in the MAC this season behind two runners who also posted their marks at the Knoxville meet. Commisso was also part of the record-setting 3200 meter relay squad.

The Bulls completed their dual meet season with a 2-1 record. They travel to Oxford, OH for the Mid-American Conference Championships on May 17-19.