YORK, Pa. – The York College Athletic Department concluded the 2010-2011 campaign with the annual awards ceremony on Friday evening. In a change of venues this year, the department moved the festivities to the beautiful Collegiate Performing Arts Center in the heart of main campus.

"I thought the night went great as we honored some very notable achievements," Paul Saikia, interim Assistant Dean for Athletics and Recreation, said. "We made some changes to the format of the ceremony, so I was anxious to see how it was received. I am happy to say the response has been very positive."

Ben Edwards, a track and field standout, was named the Daniel Klinedinst, Jr. Award winner, signifying the outstanding senior male student-athlete. Edwards, who owns each of York's hurdle records, won two individual titles (110- and 400-hurdles) and contributed to the Spartans' 4x400 relay triumph at the 2011 Capital Athletic Conference Championships.

Mandy Parshall, a cross country and track and field performer, earned the Georgia Heathcote-Stallman Award as the outstanding senior female student-athlete. Parshall has put together one of the most remarkable athletic careers in the history of the College. She is a five-time individual CAC track champion, won the 2010 CAC cross country title (the first time in the history of York's cross country program), and has set numerous school records during her time. Additionally, she was a member of the 2008-2009 Spartan women's basketball team which reached the NCAA Division III Sweet Sixteen.

Desiree Halaka, a member of the women's soccer and softball teams, took home the prestigious Jack Jaquet Fighting Heart award. That award is given annually to the senior student-athlete who displays tremendous courage, dedication, and heart during the course of their Spartan careers. During Halaka's time with the Green and White she has provided both of her teams with each of these characteristics, as her commitment goes far above any expectations.

The evening began with opening remarks from Assistant Dean for Athletics and Recreation Paul Saikia. Those remarks were followed by a 30-minute video highlighting each of the Spartans' 20 athletic teams.

The York College Student Athlete Advisory Council (S.A.A.C) then presented their annual award in recognition of someone who makes a significant difference in helping to improve the experience of the Spartan student-athlete. This year, that accolade went to junior Zach Clabaugh for his work as the Spartans' chief athletic photographer. Clabaugh's work has been featured on York's athletic website, in College publications, and on game-day programs.

The ceremony then moved into the awards portion of the evening where the Dr. William DeMeester Scholar-Athlete awards were announced, honoring the male and female senior student-athletes with the highest individual grade point averages. Bryce Johnston of the Spartan men's lacrosse squad picked up the male honor while the female accolade went to field hockey's Kelly Kreamer.

In recognition of the top academic programs on both the men's and women's side, men's swimming captured the honors for 2010-2011 while the women's tennis team topped the list on the women's side of the ledger.

2010-2011 SPARTAN ALL-CAC AWARD WINNERS

2010-2011 SPARTAN SENIOR STUDENT-ATHLETES

PAST YORK COLLEGE AWARD WINNERS

2010-2011 SPARTAN ATHLETIC ROSTERS

PHOTO: Award winners Mandy Parshall, Ben Edwards, and Desiree Halaka display their plaques at Friday evening's ceremony. Courtesy of Zach Clabaugh - www.sharpedgefoto.com