April 15, 2008

OXFORD, Ohio - Miami University ice hockey goaltender Charlie Effinger and track and field sprinter SARAH FLETCHER are the 2008 winners of the second annual Spirit of Miami Award, presented to the male and female senior student-athletes whose playing time did not deter their enthusiastic commitment to their team.

The awards were presented Monday night at the athletic department's annual Senior Dessert at MU's Shriver Center.

The Spirit of Miami Award is presented annually to the seniors who have demonstrated dedication to their team, yet had limited competition time. They were the "spirit" of the team, the team members who strived without recognition, achieved humbly for the benefit of the team, and passionately contributed behind-the-scenes for the sheer privilege of experience, loyalty, and investment in academic and athletic opportunity. The winners personify the Miami University motto:...

"Prodesse quam conspici" - to accomplish without being conspicuous

Effinger, a senior from Belleville, Illinois, appeared in eight games for the nationally ranked RedHawk hockey team in 2007-08. After three years of contributing, he took a reserve role behind Second-Team All-American Jeff Zatkoff this past season. Effinger amassed a perfect 6-0 record and finished his career with an impressive mark of 32-12-4.

"Charlie's positive attitude and his exemplary work ethic and leadership qualities meant a great deal to our team," said ice hockey coach Rico Blasi. "He always conducted himself very well in a situation that was very difficult."

Fletcher, a senior from Alpharetta, Georgia, is a sprinter for Coach Rich Ceronie's women's track and field squad. Her career highlight as an athlete came last Saturday at the Miami Invitational when she placed eighth in the 200-meter run. Fletcher walked on as a sophomore and, through her perseverance, improved each year she competed.

"Sarah is one of those athletes who isn't blessed with great natural ability, but who maximized her ability," said Ceronie. "She never complained and always appreciated the privilege and honor of representing Miami University."

The first Spirit of Miami recipients a year ago included Dan Leonard (baseball), Jamie Morris (men's swimming), Shannon Chew (soccer) and Laura Vlasek (tennis).

John Cocanougher (football, 1959-62) and his wife, Lois, created an endowment and named the award in honor of his father--John E. Cocanougher, Sr.. Mr. and Mrs. Cocanougher were present for Monday night's ceremony.

--MURedHawks.com--