Bulls Name Student Athletes of the Year

Drew Willy and Denise Harijanto honored

Drew Willy

BUFFALO, NY – For the second year in a row a member of the University at Buffalo football team and women's tennis team were named Student Athletes of the Year for the 2008-09 academic year. Drew Willy, quarterback of the Mid-American Conference Champion UB football team and Denise Harijanto, a member of the women's tennis team were honored at the Student Athlete Picnic on August 30.

Willy graduated as the most prolific passer in school history and led the Bulls to the 2008 MAC Championship and a berth in their first bowl game. He set school records for completions (849), attempts (1,322), passing yards (8,748), touchdowns (52), total offense (8,639) and completion percentage (64.2) as a four-year starter. He started in 42 of 49 games in his college career – including the final 26 – and in his final 20 games he threw for a staggering 36 touchdowns and only six interceptions.

"Receiving this award is a great honor. I'd like to thank all my teammates, coaches, and the administration along with my family," Willy said. "The award isn't possible without those four elements. It was an honor to be a Buffalo Bull and its something I will always treasure."

Willy signed a free agent contract with the Baltimore Ravens.

Denise Harijanto

Harijanto led the women's tennis team in singles and doubles victories. She was named first-team All-MAC as well as Academic All-MAC honors playing the whole year at first singles and doubles. She was named MAC Player of the Week once during the season and defeated the MAC’s all-time wins leader, Kerstin Pahl, twice on the year. Harijanto finished her junior season fourth in school history in singles wins with 65 and second all-time in doubles victories with 72.

"It's a tremendous honor for me and my teammates to win this award. I want to thank my coaches the UB athletic department for this award. I look forward to getting even better next year."

Last year, Jamey Richard of the UB football team and Andreea Novaceanu of the women's tennis team took home the award.