Nov. 12, 2009
Complete Big Ten Release and All-Big Ten Teams (PDF)
EVANSTON, Ill. -
Senior defender Mark Blades (Lakewood, Ohio/St. Ignatius) and junior forward Matt Eliason (Lombard, Ill./Glenbard East) were recognized Thursday by being named to the All-Big Ten first team as selected by the conference's head coaches. Blades was also honored as the league's Co-Defensive Player of the Year, sharing the award with Ohio State's Doug Verhoff.
Both Blades and Eliason were unanimous selections to the first team.
Blades is considered one of the top left back players in the country and was named to the preseason Hermann Trophy Watch List, the award which honors the nation's top player. A two-time, second-team All-Big Ten pick, he has helped the Wildcats post seven shutouts this season while ranking second on the team with four assists.
Eliason has continued to establish himself as one the nation's top offensive threats as he has posted a Big Ten-leading 13 goals this season. A second-team all-conference honoree in 2008, he has 25 goals over the last two seasons and is tied for the Northwestern all-time record with 30 in his career.
In addition, midfielder Chris Ritter (Winnetka, Ill./New Trier) and midfielder Kyle Schickel (Louisville, Ky./Saint Xavier) were named to the All-Freshman Team. Ritter has appeared in all 18 matches this season, including making 16 starts. Offensively, he has contributed a goal and an assist. Schickel has seen action in 17 contests, earning 12 starting nods. He has two assists to his credit so far in his first collegiate campaign.
Senior defender Pat Coleman (Chagrin Falls, Ohio/Chagrin Falls) was recognized as Northwestern's honoree of the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award. The honor is given to individuals who have destinguished themselves through sportsmanship and ethical behavior. In addition, the student-athlete must be in good academic standing and have demonstrated good citizenship outside of the sports-competition setting.