5/10/2001 - Men's Lacrosse
Four Mids Receive ECAC Recognition

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CENTERVILLE, Mass. -

Navy freshman attackman Dave Pittard (Skaneateles, N.Y.) was one-of-four Midshipmen awarded postseason ECAC Lacrosse League honors Thursday afternoon. Pittard was joined by Georgetown's Steve Dusseau and Kyle Sweeney in winning their respective player-of-the-year awards.

Pittard garnered ECAC Rookie-of-the-Year recognition after leading Navy with 19 assists and adding 12 goals in his freshman campaign. Meanwhile, in ECAC action, the Skaneateles High School product scored seven goals and pitched in 12 assists. Pittard completed his rookie season seventh on Navy's all-time freshman scoring list, scoring the most points since Mike Herger set the record of 55 points (37 goals, 18 assists) as a first-year player in 1987.

"Dave had an impressive first season at the Naval Academy," said head coach Richie Meade. "I'm looking forward to seeing him continue to develop and improve in the coming years."

Also earning postseason accolades was senior midfielder Adam Borcz (Millersville, Md.), who picked up his second-consecutive First-Team All-ECAC award.

"I'm excited Adam made first team," said Meade. "He's one of the best players in the country and he deserves all the recognition he receives. He's worked extremely hard over the last four years to develop his skills. While his goals stand out, it's his 46 ground balls that are impressive."

Borcz eclipsed several milestones during his senior campaign. He recently was named Navy's most valuable player after scoring 32 goals and adding one assist this spring. Among the countless accomplishments during his career, Borcz's 32 goals, a season best for him, rank 13th on the Navy single-season goals scored list and he is the first Midshipmen to produce 30-plus goals in more than a decade. Brian Keith was the last Navy player to top the 30-goal milestone, as he netted 41 in 1989. With a four-goal effort against arch rival Army, he moved into a tie with Rich Wehman (1980-83) for fifth on the Navy all-time career goals scored chart with 95.

Garnering Second-Team All-ECAC notoriety were senior close defenseman Justin Hawkins (Bethesda Md.) and junior attackman Eddie McKinnon (Davidsonville, Md.). Hawkins, a two-year starter for a traditionally stifling Navy defense, anchored a defensive unit that gave up double-digit goals just once in its final 10 games and held its opponents to an average of 7.38 goals per game - a mark that ranks fourth in the nation going into postseason play.

McKinnon, who was tabbed the Mids' most outstanding offensive player this spring scored the second-most goals for Navy this season with 23. In doing so, he became just the second active Midshipman to score 50-plus goals during his career. McKinnon scored two or more goals in nine of the 13 games and had a string of six in a row beginning with a pair against Rutgers.

"I'm happy for both Justin and Eddie," said Meade. "It's nice to see Justin get a little recognition for all the hard work he has put into this program over the last four years. And Eddie has been a steady offensive force for us since his plebe year and for the second-straight year, he's led us in scoring."

2001 All-ECAC Honors

Offensive Player of the Year - Steve Dusseau, Georgetown

Defensive Player of the Year - Kyle Sweeney, Georgetown

Rookie of the Year - Dave Pittard, Navy

Coach of the Year - Greg Cannella, Massachusetts