Ten Hounds Honored on 2024 Landmark Conference Spring All-Sportsmanship Team
TOWSON, Md. --- The Landmark Conference has named 76 student-athletes including ten from Moravian University to the 2024 Spring All-Sportsmanship Team. The All-Sportsmanship Team includes one student-athlete from each institution for each sport and is selected by the players and coaches from their respective team.
TOWSON, Md. --- The Landmark Conference has named 76 student-athletes including ten from Moravian University to the 2024 Spring All-Sportsmanship Team. The All-Sportsmanship Team includes one student-athlete from each institution for each sport and is selected by the players and coaches from their respective team.
The All-Sportsmanship Team recognizes student-athletes who epitomize the ideals of sportsmanship. The student-athletes selected demonstrate fair play, graciousness in victory and respectfulness in defeat. They are ambassadors for the team, both on and off the field, and galvanize their teammates toward their goals. These student-athletes exhibit respect for themselves, teammates, coaches, opponents, officials, spectators, and the greater campus community.
The All-Sportsmanship Team was created by the Landmark Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) in 2013 as a way to highlight student-athletes who are making an impact. The Landmark previously awarded a Sportsmanship Cup before the All-Sportsmanship Team replaced the Cup for the 2013-14 academic year.
View the full 2024 Landmark Conference Spring All-Sportsmanship Team at https://landmarkconference.
Baseball
Senior outfielder David Olsakowski earned his first selection to All-Sportsmanship Team. Olsakowski helped the Greyhounds to a 15-23 record this spring. He had 27 hits, 26 runs, five doubles, eight RBIs, a school record 31 walks and 25 stolen bases. In his career, Olsakowski registered 75 hits, 55 runs, ten doubles, three homers, 40 RBIs, 44 walks and 31 stolen bases.
“David was a great representative of the Greyhound baseball program on the Landmark All-Sportsmanship Team,” stated Head Coach Douglas Coe. “David came to practice every day ready to work and lead by example. He was a great example of how to come to work every day, get better, support your teammates, and give everything you have.”
Softball
Junior first baseman Lindsey Gawrys, who earned a spot on the 2024 Landmark All-Conference First Team, has helped the Greyhounds to a 30-8 record, the Landmark Conference Championship and a berth in the 2024 NCAA Division III Regional that the Greyhounds will host at Blue & Grey Field from May 16-18. This spring, Gawrys is hitting .363 to go with 45 hits, 35 runs, nine doubles, two triples, four homers, 16 walks, 20 RBIs and 240 putouts. Gawrys has recorded 135 hits, 96 runs, 26 doubles, six triples, 11 home runs, 77 RBIs, 51 walks, 797 putouts and a .358 batting average in three seasons.
Track & Field
Senior thrower Derek Mason was part of the Greyhound squad that finished as the runner-up in the 2024 Landmark Conference Outdoor Championships at Elizabethtown College. Mason finished 13th in both the discus and the hammer throw at the conference meet.
“Derek knows how to read the room and adapt to the personalities of anyone around him to lighten the mood when needed or motivate people up when they’re down,” noted Director of Track & Field and Cross Country Jesse Baumann. “He is passionate about the sports and throws, but he knows how to keep everything in context and be a good ambassador for himself, the team, and ultimately Moravian. He is often described as the ‘glue’ for our team, especially amongst our throwers so his personality and contributions to our program will be greatly missed next year.”
Junior hurdler Bella DeMassa helped the Hounds to a third place showing at the 2024 Landmark Conference Outdoor Championships. She placed tenth in both the 100-meter and 400-meter hurdles at the meet.
“Bella is about as positive of a personality as you’ll find,” Baumann commented. “She’s one of those people you can't help but be in a better mood after being around. She’s competitive and is extremely diligent when it comes to perfecting her hurdles and racing, but she knows how to find a respectful balance with everyone else, including her competitors, and exudes exemplary sportsmanship at all times with anyone she’s around.”
Tennis
Senior Steve Schneider had an undefeated season while helping the Hounds to a school record 17 victories this season and a berth in the 2024 Landmark Conference Tournament where Moravian won its first-round match. Schneider was 5-0 in singles action this season and 3-0 in doubles play. He finished his career with a 15-5 singles slate and a 12-4 doubles record.
“Steve is a selfless player that always looks to do what he can to put the team in a better situation,” commented Director of Tennis Mariana Freitas. “He excelled in demonstrating a model for the younger players within our program to follow. This is a well-deserved honor for Steve.”
Senior Mara Stapleton earned a spot Landmark All-Conference Second Team in doubles this year after posting a 15-5 mark this season and assisting the Greyhounds to a 15-5 record with a berth in the 2024 Landmark Conference Championship match. Stapleton and sophomore Izzy Szmodis was 11-1 in the second doubles position and 4-4 while playing in the top spot in the line-up. Stapleton added a 13-4 singles slate while playing at third, fourth and fifth singles. She finished her career with a 32-9 singles mark and a 36-14 doubles mark.
“I can't think of a more qualified player for this sportsmanship award than our senior captain,” Freitas explained. “Mara exhibits the best of a student athlete. She always strives for excellence and is a player that I hope our team tries to emulate.”
Lacrosse
Senior defender Salome Carr was limited to one match this season due to injuries as the Greyhounds finished 8-10 while reaching the Landmark Conference Tournament First Round. Carr recorded 19 ground balls and seven caused turnovers in her career that was limited to one full season due to injuries. Carr was also served as President of Moravian’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee this past year.
“Salome is a great example of sportsmanship, and how to compete with grace, focus, and passion for the game,” said Head Coach Caroline Pape. “She leads our team vocally and by example, with much respect for her team and the game.”
Senior midfielder Jack Swistak saw action in three matches this season as a long-stick midfielder. In his career, Swistak scored three goals to go along with six ground balls and one caused turnover.
Golf
Junior Jason Koch earned Landmark All-Conference First Team honors this spring with a third-place finish at the 2024 Landmark Conference Golf Championships. He averaged 74.94 strokes per round over 17 rounds this year with a season-low of 69 in the Conquer the Island tournament. Koch had one medalist honor, seven top five and 11 top ten finishes in 2023.24. Koch has a career average of 78.54 strokes per round over 41 career rounds.
“Jason displayed sportsmanship this past year through his respect for teammates and competitors,” stated first-year Director of Golf Meredith Mutcher. “He encouraged the best of those around him. Jason overcame challenges with grace and persistence to meet personal and team goals.”
Freshman Ella Oswald helped the Greyhounds compete in the first year as a varsity program. She had a season low round of 94 in the opening round of the 2024 Landmark Conference Championships, and Oswald played 14 rounds throughout the season.
“Ella displayed sportsmanship this past year through her integrity and respect for the game of golf and those she played with,” Mutcher said. “Ella can always be counted on for her consistency and conducts herself in a way that positively represents Moravian athletics.”
