Lehigh University Athletics
Lehigh celebrates 2001 season
9/19/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
The Lehigh Football Program held its annual postseason banquet on Saturday afternoon on the Mountaintop campus to celebrate its sixth Patriot League Championship and first Lambert Cup Trophy since 1980. Nearly 350 players, parents, alumni, friends, coaches and support staff were on hand to celebrate the 2001 season.
Several Lehigh program awards were handed out for individual accomplishments from the 2001 season in addition to the recognizing of certain players and coaches who received awards from national agencies.
Senior All American wide receiver Josh Snyder was the recipient of the Archibald Johnson Cup given to the most valuable player in the Lehigh program. Snyder also received an award as the team’s best receiver. He was the Patriot League’s Offensive Player of the Year and an AFCA All American selection after posting one of the best seasons in Lehigh history by a receiver.
Abdul Byron also won a pair of awards grabbing the James P. McConologue Award given to the player that is "all football" in addition to receiving the award for being the top defensive back. Byron was an Associated Press and Sports Network All American selection this season after being named the Patriot League defensive player of the year.
Junior offensive lineman Jeff Santacroce received two awards being named the Alexander G. Hahalis award winner as the team’s best lineman, offensive or defensive, in addition to being named the team’s best offensive lineman in the position awards. Santacroce was the only returning starter on the 2001 offensive line. He was an ECAC All American and a first team All-League selection.
Junior Matt Salvaterra took home the program’s highest honor as he received the Scholar-Athlete award. Given to the student-athlete who best combines academics and athletics, Salvaterra boasts a 3.79 grade point average in addition to being one of the best defensive backs on the team. He was a Verizon District II Academic All American selection this season and finished third on the team in tackles.
The Barry Fetterman award, given to the player or players who best exemplify loyalty, dedication, and unselfishness was awarded to seniors Luke Ciannello and Roy Mathis. Ciannello was the backup to Brant Hall for two years before getting his chance to shine when Hall went down with an injury. His heroics in the Holy Cross, Colgate, and Hofstra games were remarkable yet his dedication and ability to accept his role in the program are what earned him the Fetterman Award. Mathis battled four plus years of injury and played several different positions including linebacker and defensive lineman. His relentless efforts to get back on the field after being sidelined with what could have been career ending injuries are motivation for any player that has suffered injuries.
A three year All-League selection, senior Jay Heibel received the special teams award after completing yet another successful season as the team’s punter and holder. Newcomer Theo Moss was tabbed the team’s best defensive lineman and senior captain Morris Taylor was named the best linebacker. Both had outstanding seasons solidifying the Lehigh defense. The scout team awards went to freshmen Forrest Doane and Mike Horvath.
Senior quarterback Brant Hall, a First Team All League selection, received the Big LU award given to the player that combines leadership and performance. Hall was also tabbed the best offensive back of the 2001 squad. In addition to receiving two awards, Hall also led the captain’s charge that concluded the banquet. The charge put a final close on the 2001 season and opened the door to the 2002 season, challenging the returning players to carry on the strong Lehigh tradition.
The Lehigh football banquet was made possible by the Lehigh Athletics Partnership program, whose mission is to promote interest in Lehigh Athletics, to encourage and provide financial support to the program and to enhance relations with all former participants, fans, friends, and parents of Lehigh student-athletes. For more information about the Partnership Program please call Barbara Turanchik at 610-758-3132.
Football Program Awards
Award | Recipient |
Alexander G. Hahalis | Jeff Santacroce, Jr. |
Barry Fetterman | Luke Ciannello, Sr. and Roy Mathis, Sr. |
James P. McConologue | Abdul Byron, Sr. |
Big LU | Brant Hall, Sr. |
Scholar Athlete | Matt Salvaterra, Jr. 3.79 GPA |
Archibald Johnston Cup | Josh Snyder |
Position Awards
Award | Recipient |
Offensive Line | Jeff Santacroce, Jr. |
Receivers | Josh Snyder, Sr. |
Offensive Backs | Brant Hall, Sr. |
Defensive Line | Theo Moss, Jr. |
Linebackers | Morris Taylor, Sr. |
Defensive Backs | Abdul Byron, Sr. |
Special Teams | Jay Heibel, Sr. |
Scout Team | Forrest Doane, Fr. And Mike Horvath, Fr. |
