March 30, 2007

Kansas City, MO. - Senior captain Eric Heidenberger has been selected as a candidate for the 2007 Lowe's Senior CLASS Award in the men's lacrosse division. The new honor will be awarded to an NCAA Division I senior men's lacrosse student athlete who has excelled both on and off the playing field.

This award was originally launched in 2001 to recognize senior student athletes that remain committed to their universities throughout their college careers, while reaping all of the rewards that their schools, athletic careers, and communities have to offer. The top 20 candidates were chosen based on a criterion that defines the complete student athlete. The selection committee focused on each candidate's lacrosse career, classroom achievements, and community involvement.

This year's list of candidates consists of student athletes from 15 different schools and six conferences. The field will be narrowed down to 10 finalists before an eventual winner is announced during the 2007 NCAA Lacrosse Championships in Baltimore, Md.

Eric Heidenberger, a native of Chevy Chase, Md., represents Villanova, as well as the Colonial Athletic Association, for this prestigious honor. The senior captain currently leads the Wildcats with 10 goals in his 2007 campaign. He is a four-year starter, who has been described as hardworking, respectful, and loyal by his coaching staff and teammates.

However, Heidenberger's accomplishments extend far beyond the playing field. He presently boasts a 3.3 grade point average as a marketing major with plans of seeking a career in the business field after graduation this May. Heidenberger etched his name on the Villanova Dean's List this past fall and has garnered the CAA Commissioner's Academic Award every year since 2003.

As an active member of the Villanova community, Heidenberger is enrolled in the Villanova Pen-Pal Program, which is a program designed to help guide underprivileged students in the Philadelphia area. He also lends a helping hand at the Villanova Special Olympics and participants in Villanova's Relay For Life, helping to raise money and awareness for cancer victims.

The Lowe's Senior CLASS Award stands for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School. The award was established during the 2001-02 basketball season to honor student athletes who remained in school rather than leaving college early to turn professional. This year marks the first for baseball, softball, men's hockey, and men's lacrosse.