LIVONIA, Mich. (MadonnaCrusaders.com) - The Madonna University Athletic Department presented 19 honors at the third-annual Blue and Gold Awards Sunday (Oct. 11) at the St. Mary's Cultural Center to recognize athletic and academic performance during the 2008-09 year. With co-winners in some categories, a total of four teams and 14 individuals were recognized.

Baseball and softball won the Male and Female Team of the Year awards for their achievements. Both programs won the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference Championship and advanced to their respective National Championships. Baseball was ranked as high as eighth in the country at one point before ending the season ranked at No. 18. Softball ended the year at No. 13 in the Coach's Poll after setting the school record for wins in a season with 53.

The Mr. and Miss Crusader Awards are given for all-around excellence in athletics, academics, character and service. Cat Sidor (Livonia, Mich.) of softball was named Miss Crusader while Drew Fry (Madison Heights, Mich.) from the baseball squad took home the Mr. Crusader award.

The Female Athlete of the Year was awarded to Jess Irwin (Monroe, Mich.) who became the first Madonna University softball player to be named All-American. The Male Athlete of the Year went to Doron Drai (Kfar Yona, Israel) of the men's soccer team. Drai was named WHAC Offensive Player of the Year and led men's soccer to the NAIA Sweet 16.

The Academic Teams of the Year were men's cross country and women's golf. The Scholar-Athletes of the Year were Mary McGinnis (Fraser, Mich.) of the volleyball team and Drai.

The "One Shining Moment" award went to the baseball team for its defeat of Fresno Pacific in the opening round of the NAIA National Tournament in 12 innings.

Sister Nancy Marie Jamroz was honored with the Sr. Francilene Van DeVyver Lifetime Achievement Award for her dedication and service to Madonna University's Athletic Department.

A complete list of awards is below:

Contact: Patrick Moore (734) 432-5834