BUFFALO, NY - The University at Buffalo men's outdoor track and field squad announced its team awards for the 2003-04 season.

Head coach Perry Jenkins made the following presentations to his squad: Brian Heim (East Amherst, NY/Williamsville East) was selected as the Top Newcomer; Todd Joki (Saratoga Springs, NY/Schuylerville) earned the Most Improved Player Award; Andy Wigton (Rochester, NY/Greece-Athena) received the Coaches' Award; and Steve Esler (Rochester, NY/Aquinas) 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. Heim won the Mid-American Conference championship in the 400-meter hurdles, winning the event in a school-record 51.95 seconds. Heim also competed at the NCAA East Regional meet, placing 20th in the 400-meter hurdles (53.36). He also competed at the U.S. Junior National Championships, finishing 12th in the preliminaries of the 400-meter hurdles.

Todd Joki

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. Joki, who was also named the indoor team's 2004 Most Valuable Player, finished fifth in the decathlon at the 2004 MAC Outdoor Championships (6,769 points), winning four events. Joki also set the UB school record in the 110-meter hurdles (14.45) at the McDonald's Invite.

Andy Wigton

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. Wigton, also selected as the 2003 men's cross country Most Valuable Player, finished 11th in the 5000-meters (a team-best 14:43.99) and 14th in the 10,000m (32:42.89) at the 2004 MAC Outdoor Championships. Wigton's 10,000-meter time of 30:43.46 at the Bucknell Bison Open was also a team best.

Steve Esler

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. Esler won the 2004 MAC decathlon title with 6,998 points, rallying from fifth place after the first day to become the second consecutive MAC champion in the event. Esler then went on to compete in the NCAA Championships where he finished 16th overall, scoring 7,264 points. During the season, Esler twice set the UB decathlon record with victories at the Florida Relays (7,019 points) and Hillside's Gina Relays (7,306 points).

UB's men tied for sixth at the MAC Championships in Oxford, OH.