2009 LOWE’S SENIOR CLASS AWARD

TEN NCAA® DIVISION I MEN’S ICE HOCKEY STUDENT ATHLETES SELECTED AS FINALISTS FOR THE 2009 LOWE’S SENIOR CLASS AWARD

(Kansas City, MO) – The third class of finalists for the NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey division of the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award was announced today, launching a nationwide balloting process to determine the 2009 recipient for the honor that recognizes the complete student-athlete.
An acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School, the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award encourages student-athletes to use their platform in college athletics to make a positive impact on their circle of influence.

The 2009 finalists for the men’s hockey division are: Andrew Carroll (University of Minnesota Duluth), Erik Condra (University of Notre Dame), Matt Cook (Union College - New York), Chris Hahn (University of Maine), Trevor Hyatt (University of Alaska Fairbanks), Mathias Lange (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute), Jeff Lerg (Michigan State University), Jordan Pearce (University of Notre Dame), Mike Phillipich (United States Air Force Academy) and Dean Strong (University of Vermont).

These 10 senior student-athletes will be placed on the official ballot for a nationwide vote beginning today and concluding March 26. Votes from coaches and media will be coupled with fan balloting to determine the recipient of the award. Hockey fans around the country can vote online during this time at www.seniorclassaward.com. Text voting also will be available during the voting period. To vote via text, fans must send the text code (see below for a complete list) corresponding with the student-athlete of their choice to 839863.

The overall winner of the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award for hockey will be announced and presented with the distinctive trophy during the 2009 NCAA Men’s Frozen Four® in Washington, D.C.

“The 2009 class of finalists have dedicated time to their classrooms and communities while pursuing their athletic dreams,” said Bob Gfeller, Lowe’s senior vice president of marketing and advertising.

“That is what builds great collegiate leaders. Lowe’s applauds these 10 student-athletes for having an impact not only within their sport, but within their campus and community as well.”