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University
of Delaware senior lacrosse goaltender Matt DeLuca is one of 20 candidates for a
prestigious award recognizing some of the nations best
student-athletes for their success on and off the field.
The Lowes Senior CLASS Award is an acronym for Celebrating Loyalty
and Achievement for Staying in School, and focuses on the total
student-athlete. It is meant to encourage students to use their platform
in athletics to make a positive impact as leaders in their
communities. Luca embodies all those characteristics and was named one
of 20 candidates for the prestigious award in the mens lacrosse
category.
To be eligible for the award, a student-athlete must be classified as
an NCAA Division I senior and have notable achievements in four areas
of excellence: community, classroom, character and competition.
A communication major, DeLuca carries a 3.202 grade point average
and was named to the Colonial Athletic Association Commissioners
honor roll. He is active in the community, helping with programs at the
Ferris School and McVey Elementary.
On the field, DeLuca, who was named a preseason first team
All-American, was ranked in the top 10 in the country each of the past
two seasons in goals-against-average, save percentage and saves per
game. DeLuca has helped the Blue Hens begin the 2020 season with a 3-1
record heading into Saturdays noon game against Villanova at Delaware
Stadium.
The 20 candidates will be narrowed to 10 finalists later in the
season, and those 10 names will be placed on the official ballot.
Ballots will be distributed through a nationwide voting system to media,
coaches and fans, who will select one candidate who best exemplifies
excellence in the four Cs of community, classroom, character and
competition.
The Senior CLASS Award winner will be announced in conjunction with the 2020 NCAA men's lacrosse national championship in May.
Article by Scott Day; photo by UD Athletics
Published Feb. 27, 2020