Danielle
Troutman, Elmira - Basketball
Troutman raised money for the American Cancer Society
throughout the 2006-07 season after learning that Teresa Nobles, the wife of her high school
basketball coach Tim Nobles, was diagnosed with stage three colon cancer. She raised cancer
awareness in the collegiate basketball community and beyond, collecting donations and speaking
with members of the local media and local community.
At Troutman’s request, the Elmira College Department of Athletics took donations during
two conference men’s and women’s doubleheaders with the two basketball programs donating
$25 for each three-pointer made by any team during the weekend. Troutman enthusiastically cheered
on every made three-pointer and the programs ended up donating $2,700 to the Chemung County Chapter
of the American Cancer Society.
During halftime of one of the games, Troutman joined two teammates and one women’s ice
hockey player in donating their hair to “Locks of Love” to support the ongoing fight
against cancer. In total, her efforts raised $5,100 for cancer awareness.
"Danielle provides us a shining example of all of the positive power of sport," said
Empire 8 Commissioner Chuck Mitrano. "As a team leader, she organized and rallied others
to support a noble cause using sport as an influential vehicle. She did so while rooting
for her competitive opponents in support of a greater cause. She is a truly outstanding sportswoman."
Luigi
Lanzi, Hartwick - Basketball
Lanzi served as co-captain of his basketball team in 2006-07 despite a two-year absence from
the sport. He worked hard to involve members of the team by hosting numerous team dinners at
his off-campus house and helping the younger players develop. At the conclusion of the year,
Lanzi was honored with the school’s Barry Lewis Award and a special Coaches Award in
recognition of his efforts on and off the court as a person and a leader.
Lanzi is a member of Sigma Beta Delta, the international honor society in business and management.
He created the student fan club on campus, "The Hawks Nest", and served on the Hartwick
College Commencement Committee. He consistently attended games and showed his support for the
other student-athletes on campus.
In addition to being an active member of the campus community, Lanzi also served the Oneonta community.
He volunteered his time with Special Olympics and functions at the Oneonta Boys and Girls Club
throughout the semesters.
"Luigi opened his doors to his teammates and reached out to the newer players with great
respect," Mitrano said. "His involvement in the campus and the Oneonta community are
great reflections of his citizenship and values. We are proud to name him our Sportsman of
the Year." |