April 20, 2001

EASTON, Pa. (www.lafayette.edu) - The Lafayette men's and women's basketball programs held their annual banquet on Friday in Marquis Hall in celebration of the 2000-01 season.

The evening concluded with an awards presentation as coaches honored this season's seniors and those players who have been integral parts to the program.

Pat Fisher, who announced her retirement after 21 years as the women's head coach on April 5, presented the women's team's Rookie of the Year award to Colleen Fitzpatrick '04, who averaged 9.0 points and 5.7 seven rebounds this season while being named to the Patriot League All-Rookie Team.

Fisher's Most Improved Player award went to reserve guard and co-captain Samaiyah Council '02. Council averaged 4.4 points per game while setting new career-highs in points (16), steals (7) and assists (7) this season.

This season's Coaches' Award was presented to junior co-captain Laurie Infantino '02 by Fisher. Infantino was a vocal leader on the floor for the Leopards this season, coming off the bench to spark the offense with her outside shooting and tenacious defense.

On the men's side, head coach Fran O'Hanlon presented special awards to seniors Frank Barr '01, Tim Bieg '01 and Tyson Whitfield '01, whose 77 career wins are the most of any four-year player in the history of the Lafayette program. The trio was a part of three Patriot League Championship teams and two NCAA Tournament appearances with the Leopards. Barr, Bieg and Whitfield were each awarded with All-Patriot League honors this season.

O'Hanlon's Academic Award went to senior Nash Ablo '01, who showed the most improvement in the classroom this season.

The men's team, which led the league in attendance for the fourth straight year, finished their season with a record of 12-16 while the women's program finished at 7-21.