The Rutgers Roller Hockey Club was recognized at two separate awards banquets last week, further solidifying Roller Hockey's reputation as one of the most successful sport clubs at Rutgers. On Wednesday, April 6th, Head Coach Dominick Roca, President Anthony Tsigourakos, Vice President James Novak, Treasurer Adam Diener, and Secretary Joseph Tsigourakos attended the 8th Annual Sports & Recreation Awards Dinner at the College Avenue Gym. Dean of Recreation Diane Bonanno awarded Roller Hockey with the Club Spirit Award, due to the club's superb achievements this season. The Club Spirit Award recognizes one club every year for their relentless dedication and commitment to the sport club philosophy. Roller Hockey stood out from the other clubs due to its enormous fundraising effort, its extra events for its members, and its efficient completion of all necessary sport club tasks. Vice President James Novak accepted the award for $500 to be added to the club's funds for the 2005-2006 season. Next was the recognition for qualifying for The Victory Cup. After every season, Rutgers Recreation honors all sport club teams that qualified for a Regional or National Tournament by engraving the club's name on the prestigious Victory Cup. Treasurer Adam Diener represented Roller Hockey as one of five clubs to recieve this honor for the 2004-2005 season. After hoisting the great chalice above his head and posing for multiple photos, Adam Diener accepted a $300 award on behalf of Rutgers Recreation towards Roller Hockey's account for next season. Following this, President Anthony Tsigourakos was recognized for his efforts as Co-Chairman of the Rutgers Recreation Board of Directors. Additionally, Assistant Director of Sports Clubs and Recreation Jim Moryan recognized Anthony for his involvement on the Rutgers Sports Clubs Executive Board of Allocations for two straight years.
On the following night, A & B team captains Anthony Tsigourakos and Jim Mellett, along with Treasurer Adam Diener attended the Scarlet MVP Awards Banquet. The banquet, which was sponsored by the Emerging Leaders Institute of Rutgers University, served to recognize noteworthy achievements in Rutgers Club Sports, as well as dedication and accomplishment of sports teams. Treasurer Adam Diener and President Anthony Tsigourakos were both individually recognized for their efforts, and both received a Scarlet MVP Award for the 2004-2005 season. All in all, it was a fulfilling week for the roller hockey club. The recognition that the club received definitely completed the complete turnaround that the club has done from their inaugural 2003-2004 season. Not only is the Rutgers Roller Hockey Club known as a powerhouse on the court when competing in the Eastern Collegiate Roller Hockey Association, but off the court the club is now known as an extremely successful, organized, and sportsmanlike club.

We encourage all interested players to come out and give the club a try next season. Not only is the roller hockey team a unique and affordable opportunity to compete in the highly-organized and well-respected National Collegiate Roller Hockey Association; it is also the chance to meet new friends, further your involvement at Rutgers, and gain valuable career skills & resume experience for all of your future endeavors. The club will be holding multiple "captains' practices" sessions during the month of August, with tryouts following in September. We encourage all interested players of all skill levels to attend. Please email us at [email protected] for more information.