Penn State University Athletic Conference Banquet 2012

The Penn State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC) held its annual Awards Luncheon at Penn State University Park on Monday, May 21^st.  The gathering is the culminating event of the year for the fourteen Penn State campuses that make up the conference and a chance to recognize the premier programs, coaches and athletes in the PSUAC.  Penn State Brandywine was exceptionally well represented this year and walked away with a bevy of awards. 

Brandywine basketball standout Bobbi Caprice was this year's winner of the John Egli Outstanding Student Athlete Award.  The award is given out each year to recognize the premier male and female student athlete in the PSUAC.  Caprice was recognized for her prowess both on the basketball court and the classroom.  She was chosen from over 1,300 participating athletes.  The three year varsity standout also received USCAA National All-Academic team honors this season.

Derek Burdick was the male Egli Award winner.  He graduated in May from Penn State Dubois with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and Business Management.  Derek has been a member of the basketball program for four years and a two year starter.  Derek has been recognized by the USCAA as Academic All-American three times (2010,2011,2012).  Derek has been selected as captain for the basketball team two years; his leadership and commitment to the team were most evident this year when Derek suffered some medicial difficulties in November.  The illness caused Derek to miss several games and limited his playing time to only a few minutes in several other games while doctors regulated his medications.  Though Derek was forced to limit his practice and playing time, his passion for the game and his desire to see his teammates succeed never wavered.  He put the team before himself and mentored the freshman guards who were playing in his place. With Derek back to full strength at the end of the season he was a critical element in the PSU Dubois team capturing the PSUAC Championship.  Derek received the Coaches Award for the second year at the 2012 PSU DuBois All Sports Banquet for his leadership and character on and off the court.

Retired Assistant Professor of Kinesiology Dan Doran was awarded the Robert J. Scannel Roll of Honor.  The award is given yearly to recognize individuals who have served the university athletic program with distinction.  Over his 40 year career, Doran served Penn State University in a variety of positions and helped build the athletic and kinesiology program at the campus.  The Scannel Roll of Honor is the highest service award given by the PSUAC.

Brandywine Tennis Coach Lloyd Vernon was recognized as the tennis coach of the year.  Vernon's team was undefeated in the regular season and won the PSUAC Championships held in October at University Park.  This was déjà vu for Vernon who won the championship as a student athlete in the late 1970's.

The final award given to Penn State Brandywine recognized the success of the entire athletic program.  The Chancellor's Cup recognizes the campus that has the greatest number of successful teams as measured by final league standings, playoff appearances and championships.  Brandywine finished second this year and received a plaque to commemorate the accomplishment.