Lehigh University Athletics
Strunk named to MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List
8/16/2011 6:52:00 PM | Men's Soccer
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Lehigh senior back Kevin Strunk, the Patriot League's 2010 Defensive Player of the Year, was named to the Missouri Athletic Club's Hermann Trophy Watch List for 2011.
The MAC Hermann Trophy is the highest individual award in intercollegiate soccer. The recipients are selected by head coaches of NCAA Division I programs who are members of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA.)
"It's wonderful for our program and great for Kevin," said Lehigh head coach Dean Koski. "He's worked hard the past three years to be recognized and I appreciate that people outside of Lehigh and outside of the Patriot League are recognizing our student-athletes for their accomplishments on the field."
Strunk started all 18 games for the Mountain Hawks last season and was a crucial part of a Lehigh defense that allowed just 18 goals all year, including eight shutouts. Strunk's best offensive game came in the season opener against Rutgers when he posted two assists as part of a 3-0 victory. Strunk also had an assist against Princeton as the Mountain Hawks earned their 500th all-time win.
In 2009, Strunk started in all 18 games as his only point came on an assist in a 1-1 final against Brown. In 2008, Strunk started in four of the eight games he played in. His biggest moment came when he scored the game-winning goal in the 90th minute to give Lehigh a 1-0 win at Army.
"I think what has distinguished Kevin from his counterparts in the league is his individual commitment to wanting to get better," said Koski. "He's always asking what he needs to do to get better and is willing to put in the time without the coaches. He spends more time on the ball than the majority of student-athletes his age. He has the commitment, drive and desire to be the best player he can be."
A total of 42 players from 35 different schools are represented on the Hermann Trophy Watch List, including two from the Patriot League, as Bucknell's Brendan Burgdorf joins Strunk on the list. Lehigh travels to face Bucknell on Sept. 24.
Voting for the MAC Hermann Trophy is conducted in late November, when a field of 15 semifinalists is reduced to three finalists. Those three will be invited to the Missouri Athletic Club in St. Louis on Friday, Jan. 6, 2012, where a news conference will be held to announce the winner, followed by a banquet to honor the three finalists.
Lehigh has begun its preseason camp in preparation for its season opener on Aug. 27 against Stony Brook at the Ulrich Sports Complex.
Lehigh Sports Central: Men's Soccer
Wednesday, October 29
Lehigh Sports Central: Men's Soccer
Wednesday, September 17
2025 Lehigh Men's Soccer Season Preview
Tuesday, August 19
Lehigh Sports Central: Men's Soccer
Tuesday, October 15
