Oct. 23, 2008
NOTRE DAME, Ind. – Notre Dame senior defender Matt Besler (Overland Park, Kan./Blue Valley West) has been named one of 10 national finalists for the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award in the men’s soccer division. Finalists were selected from a list of 30 candidates in each division, based on personal qualities that define a complete student-athlete.
Each finalist displays numerous accomplishments across all four award pillars: classroom, community, character, and competition. The award is presented annually to an NCAA Division I men’s senior soccer player who excels both on and off the field.
The finalists will be placed on the official ballot for a nationwide vote beginning Oct. 16 and concluding Nov. 19. Votes from coaches and media will be coupled with fan balloting to determine the recipient of the award. Fans can vote online during this time period at www.seniorclassaward.com. Winners will be announced during the 2008 NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Championship in Frisco, Texas, scheduled for Dec. 12-14.
For the first time in the history of the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award, text voting will be available starting this Saturday, Oct. 25th through the Nov. 19th voting deadline. To vote via text for Besler, send S1 to 839863.
Besler has started every game in the central defense for the Fighting Irish this season. He has tallied three points on one goal and one assist. Besler was named to the Soccer America national team of the week on Oct. 14 and was selected to the College Soccer News team of the week on Sept. 8. On Oct. 13, he was chosen as the BIG EAST defensive player of the week.
For his career, Besler is a two-time all-BIG EAST selection and was named an NSCAA Scholar All-American last season. This season, he was tabbed as a preseason All-American. The two-time team captain has started 62 straight games for the Fighting Irish and has only missed one game during his entire college career. He has tallied 17 points on five goals and seven assists.
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