With the 2015 season over and the playoffs just around the corner, Major League Lacrosse decided to reward the players who stood out this season with their annual End of Season Awards. It should be no surprise that New York Lizards midfielder Greg “The Beast” Gurenlian took home the FO Athlete of the Year award for the second consecutive year. In addition, Gurenlian was awarded the 2015 USL/MLL Sportsmanship Player of the Year Award.
The season Gurenlian had this year can only be described as “historic.” This season saw “Beast” break three single-season records. He won 280 faceoffs this year, breaking the single-season faceoff wins record of 249 set by Alex Smith back in 2008. Although he had already owned the record, Greg once again set the mark for highest season faceoff win percentage at 73 percent, nine percent more than his previous best of 64 percent back in 2013. Gurenlian is second in career ground balls at Penn State, but after this season, he now holds the record for most ground balls in a single season with 175, surpassing the record of 156 achieved by Paul Cantabene in 2004. This was truly a career season for Gurenlian, also highlighted with his second All-Star Game appearance, and one that fans witness only once in a lifetime.
In an interview regarding Gurenlian winning the award via nylizards.com, Coach Joe Spallina commented, “There was never a player more deserving of an award; he is such a hard working, focused professional that not only impacts the MLL but the entire faceoff community. He is a pro’s pro!”
The night only got better for Gurenlian when it was announced that he was the recipient of the 2015 USL/MLL Sportsmanship Player of the Year Award. This award recognizes both the player and team that displayed the most outstanding display of Sportsmanship on the field and being a role model for younger players off the field. The Rochester Rattlers were the recipients of the Sportsmanship Team of the Year Award. Greg was ecstatic to have won the award.
Via majorleaguelacrosse.com, Gurenlian said, “This is a huge honor. We teach our kids at a young age about sportsmanship, that no matter how hard you hit, you help the guy up. We have to act accordingly and to be recognized as someone who does this, especially as a coach, means a lot to me.”
Gurenlian is the co-founder and coach at the Faceoff Academy, a series of clinics and camps that teach young lacrosse players the art of the faceoff. In addition, he serves as a US Lacrosse Convention Speaker. Even Men’s Game Senior Manager at US Lacrosse Rick Lake marvels at the type of player Gurenlian is.
“Greg exemplifies the attitude and behavior that serve as great model for players of all ages. As a member of Team USA, Greg has always demonstrated a great respect for the game, and it’s no surprise that he brings that same commitment to the MLL and the New York Lizards. He’s a great ambassador for lacrosse both on and off the field.”
The End of the Season Awards will continue throughout the week, with the Rookie of the Year announced on Wednesday July 29, Most Improved Player on Thursday, July 30, and Coach of the Year on Friday, July 31, all this leading up to the semi-final match ups with the Rochester Rattlers taking on the Ohio Machine and the New York Lizards facing the Boston Cannons.
