Nardella a Candidate for Senior Class Award
Mar 04 | Men's Lacrosse
PISCATAWAY, N.J. - Rutgers senior midfielder Joe Nardella is one of 20 NCAA Division I men's lacrosse senior athletes to be named a finalist for the 2015 Senior CLASS Award, it was announced Wednesday.
To be eligible for the award, a student-athlete must be classified as an NCAA Division I senior and have notable achievements in four areas of excellence: community, classroom, character and competition. An acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School ®, the Senior CLASS Award focuses on the total student-athlete and encourages students to use their platform in athletics to make a positive impact as leaders in their communities.
The Cazenovia, N.Y., native is Rutgers' leader at the faceoff `X' this season, going 84-of-122 (.689 winning percentage) this season, a mark that is second best in the conference and sixth in the nation. He has also collected 50 ground balls, an average of 8.33 that is the sixth best in the nation.
In addition to Nardella's success on the field, his achievements off the field have been just as noteworthy. The senior is in his second season as a team captain, and won the 2013 Rutgers Lacrosse Knight Cup for inspiring his teammates on and off the field. He currently holds a 3.38 cumulative GPA, with a 3.625 GPA last semester. He has continually been involved with community service while at RU, helping at the Red Cross, Elijah's Promise Soup Kitchen, Habitat for Humanity, the Ronald McDonald House, visiting St. Peter's Hospital, and many others.
Nardella has already collected multiple accolades this season. He was recently named to the 2015 Tewaaraton Award Watch List, which recognizes the top player in collegiate lacrosse. He was named a Preseason Second Team All-American by Inside Lacrosse and was the 36thoverall selection in the 2015 Major League Lacrosse Draft by the Boston Cannons.
The 20 candidates will be narrowed to 10 finalists later in the season, and those 10 names will be placed on the official ballot. Ballots will be distributed through a nationwide voting system to media, coaches and fans, who will select one candidate. Fans can vote for Nardella by clicking here.
The Senior CLASS Award winner will be announced in conjunction with the 2015 NCAA Men's Lacrosse National Championship in May.
Follow Rutgers Athletics on Facebook (www.facebook.com/RutgersAthletics ) and Twitter (@RUAthletics ) for all of the latest news and updates. For specific updates regarding Rutgers men's lacrosse, follow the program and Brecht on Twitter (@RUMLax and @RUlaxCoach ). Fans can receive timely information, including special offers and giveaways throughout the year on our social media outlets along with www.ScarletKnights.com .
