Athletes of the Year

Name: Morgan Watler, Novi junior

Major: Economics and management

Sports: Volleyball and tennis

Why nominated: In volleyball, Watler was named All-MIAA second team and led the Lady Brits in blocks (46),digs (462) and attacks (1157). In the 2008 spring season, Watler joined the women’s tennis team, playing at No.2 doubles and No.3 singles.

Favorite memory: “Travelling to Las Vegas with the volleyball team and Los Angeles with the tennis team.”

What it means to be a part of a team: “It helps me manage my time and gives me an outlet from schoolwork and other stresses.”

Name: Caitlin Bowman, Kalamazoo junior

Major: Biology (Pre-Vet)

Sport: Soccer

Why nominated: Bowman is a three time All-MIAA first team. This season, Bowman had a .94 opponent scoring average. Bowman made 74 saves for the Lady Brits and had a 82.9 save percentage, the second highest in the MIAA.

Favorite memory of season: “My favorite memory of the season is not one moment, but the entire season.”

What it means to be a part of a team: “Being part of a team is a privilege. The other female athletes are amazing people, and I learn new and exciting things from them every day.”

Name: Emily Magyar, Gobles junior

Major: English with creative writing, journalism minor

Sport: Diving

Why nominated: Magyar was named honorable mention in 1 meter dive at NCAA Division III Championship. At the MIAA Championship, Magyar took first place in 3-meter dive. Magyar also holds the 3-meter diving school record and was named NCAA Division III All- American.

Favorite memory: “Failing a dive at MIAA championships prelims and making a comeback in finals to finish in third place.”

What it means to be a part of a team: “It’s such a great experience-being a part of a team of people who love their sport as much as I love mine.”

Name: Nicole Dennis, St. Claire Shores first-year

Major: Exercise Science

Sport: Basketball

Why nominated: As a first-year, Dennis was named all MIAA second team and led the Lady Brits in points per game (11.1). With Albion’s second highest field goal percentage, Dennis was named not once but twice, as the MIAA player of the week.

Favorite memory: “Beating Trine in the first round of the playoffs or winning the ‘thriller’ first home game against Elmhurst.”

What it means to be a part of a team: “Being part of a team means having and giving support to your teammates 100 percent.”

Name: Shelley Zamler, Beverly Hills sophomore

Major: Communication Studies

Sport: Tennis

Why nominated: The reigning league MVP, Zamler is 10-3 in her singles matches for the 2009 season. In 2008, Zamler was named first-team all MIAA. As a sophomore, Zamler is a team captain for Albion College women’s tennis, who are the four time defending MIAA champions.

Favorite memory: “Our Spring Break trip because it was a great team bonding experience.”

What it means to be a part of a team: “Being part of a team has taught me a lot about leadership and responsibility.”

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Name: Mark McLaughlin, Monroe junior

Major: Biology

Sport: Golf

Why nominated: McLaughlin’s average for the year was a 73.4, earning him the honor of All-MIAA first team honor and was a three time medalist for the season.

Favorite memory: “Getting second place in the conference this year.”

What it means to be part of a team: “It’s a fun group of guys, and we’re all pretty laid back. But there is still the competitive atmosphere. The conference is really competitive. ”

Name: Ty Lattimore, Grosse Pointe senior

Major: Communication Studies

Sport: Diving

Why nominated: For the second consecutive year, Lattimore earned the title of MIAA Diver of the year. Qualifying for the NCAA Division III Championship, Lattimore finished eleventh place in the 1 meter. Lattimore was named honorable mention All- American.

Favorite memory: “Competing at nationals.”

What it means to be a part of a team: “Being part of a team means you share the responsibility to strive towards excellence.”

Name: Andrew Holms, Portage senior

Major: Economics and management

Sport: Basketball

Why nominated: With a season plagued by injury, the senior guard helped the Britons secure third place in the MIAA, 9-5. With his 34 assists, 31 steals and averaged 11.9 points per game, Holms was named All-MIAA first team.

Favorite memory: “When we travelled to Phoenix, Ariz. and beating Hope.”

What it means to be a part of a team: “Knowing that we are all best friends and have each others’ back on anything.”

Name: Ryan Gunderson, Grosse Pointe senior

Major: History, economics and management

Sports: Swimming and baseball

Why nominated: Gunderson broke three school records and was named Counsilman Hunsaker National Division III men’s swimmer. An ace of the baseball team, Gunderson has a 3.4 era.

Favorite memory: “Swimming: Breaking school records in the 50 and 100 freestyle, as well as the 200 relay. Baseball: Coming back to beat Adrian in the bottom of the seventh for our first game at home.”

What it means to be a part of a team: “Being part of a great group of guys that I’m genuinely proud to go into battle with everyday.”

Name: Austin Rodgers, Dexter sophomore

Major: Economics and management

Sports: Football and track & field

Why nominated: Rodgers was named All-MIAA first team with 50 tackles and 31 assists. Rodgers is also a varsity athlete for men’s track in open shot put.

Favorite Memory: “Beating Teal with the conditions that there were. It was my first game back since I lost my brother in a car accident. The whole team gathered around me and really were there for me.”

What does it mean to be a part of the team: “It means everything to me. I really like the team atmosphere and the camaraderie.”

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