James honored at Athletics Awards Ceremony

June 2, 2003

NORTON, MA- The Wheaton College Athletic Department held its annual Awards Ceremony at Emerson Dining Hall on the Norton campus. Highlighting the evening was the presentation of the five year-end awards. Seniors Shaun Cavanaugh (Newtown, CT/Newtown), Kerry Deshefy (Clinton, CT/The Morgan School), Casey Hagan (Burlington, VT) and Mike Hunsinger (Fall River, MA/Durfee) along with junior Amber James (Woodbury, MN/Woodbury) were the award recipients.

Winners of the Senior Athletic Awards went to Cavanaugh and Deshefy. This award is presented to a male and female member of the graduating class who has made a significant contribution to the success of the Wheaton Athletic Program, including participation of intercollegiate athletics or intramural programs, proven leadership ability and commitment and relevant committee work.

In four years, Cavanaugh climbed the school charts in every offensive category for the men's soccer team, ranking in the top five in career goals, assists and points. He stands third in the Wheaton record book with 35 goals, fourth in points with 91 and fifth in assists with 21. A two-time New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) Player of the Year, Cavanaugh was named to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA)/adidas All-America team twice, the NSCAA/adidas All-New England squad three times and the Verizon Academic All-District team once.

A four-year member with the women's basketball team, Deshefy started in each of Wheaton's 23 games this season, averaging 8.7 points per game in addition to being the team leader in assists and steals. She also ranked second in the league in steals (2.5), tied for seventh in three-point field goals made (1.4) and ninth in three-point field goal percentage (.267). In addition to her athletic accomplishments, Deshefy has been a Wheaton Athletic Mentor (WAM) for three years, a coach for the Attleboro Special Olympics, a teachers aid at the Wheaton Nursery School and an intern at two facilities working with special needs children. In the classroom, she was a four-year member of the Dean's List, a four-year member of the NEWMAC All-Academic team and a 2002 Phi Chi Psychology Honoree.

Hunsinger was named Wheaton's Outstanding Male Athlete of the Year. A pitcher on the baseball team, Hunsinger became the program's all-time win leader. As a senior, he finished with a record of 8-1 and a 2.27 earned run average, helping the Lyons to their fifth consecutive NEWMAC championship and fourth straight trip to the NCAA Division III Tournament. Hunsinger was named to the New England Intercollegiate Baseball Association (NEIBA) All-New England and NEWMAC All-Conference teams. He also was selected as an Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) All-Star.

James was the recipient of the Debi Field Athletic Award, given to the Outstanding Female Athlete of the Year. A staple at the NCAA Division III Track and Field Championships for three seasons now, James helped lead the Blue and White to their fifth consecutive indoor title and third straight outdoor championship. She continued her national dominance in the sprinting events, earning two more individual event national crowns in the 400-meter dash and 4x400-meter relay. James also captured the outdoor 200M dash title and was an All-America in the indoor 55M dash and outdoor 4x100-meter relay.

Hagan garnered the Claudia Friese Special Recognition Award, which recognizes the less visible, behind-the-scenes dedication to the athletic program exhibited by any member of the Wheaton Community. Hagan was a four-year member of the athletic training staff, serving as a student-athletic trainer for various Wheaton sports. She also was highly involved with Wheaton's continuing partnership with the Special Olympics, working as a coach and game organizer.

Last updated on 6/2/03.
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