Boston College Athletics
Soccer Hands Out Awards At McElory Dinner
May 08, 2002 | Men's Soccer
May 8, 2002
Junior forward Casey Schmidt was awarded the McElory Award at the team's annual break-up dinner on Friday, April 26 at the Boston College Club. Also awarded were the team's Most Valuable Player Award and the team's Most Improved Player Award, both voted on by the team members.
The Most Valuable Player award was the first presentation of the night and went to freshman Guy Melamed. He stepped into the starting lineup and played both center back and center midfield for the Eagles. Melamed recorded two goals and one assist on the season and was also selected to the NSCAA All-New England regional All-America squad.
The Most Improved Player award was presented next to freshman Junior Desrosiers. After playing in only two games during the season, Desrosiers improved greatly during the spring season to garner the accolades from his peers.
The final award of the night was presented to Schmidt. The McElory Award is presented in honor of Tom McElroy, Jr. '80. In his career at the Heights, McElroy walked onto the team, converted from midfield to goalkeeper and helped lead the Eagles to an ECAC soccer championship - the school's first soccer title.
In January of his senior year, McElroy learned that he was suffering from cancer. Undeterred, he played his final season of college soccer. Only McElroy, head coach Ben Brewster and director of athletics Bill Flynn were award of his condition.
That season - 1980 - McElroy played half of the team's 21 games and helped lead the squad to the team's best-ever record: 15-3-3. He finished his career with several school records in his name: most games played (43), most shutouts in a season (10) and career (20) and lowest goals against average (1.05).
Since his passing, The McElory Award is presented annually to " ...the Boston College soccer student-athlete who best exemplifies the qualities of courage, dedication, sincerity and determination of Tom McElory."
This year's McElroy Award was presented to Casey Schmidt, who also battled through adversity this season. As a preseason All-America choice by several publications and a team captain Schmidt was living up to expectations as the season started. With five goals in the team's first five games, he was among the national scoring leaders and led the BIG EAST in both overall and conference scoring.
Then, on Sept. 26, Schmidt sustained what was thought to be a season-ending injury. In a collision with Harvard's goalkeeper in the penalty area, Schmidt suffered multiple fractures in his eye area and needed reconstructive surgery to repair the damage. However, after just five weeks, Schmidt made his way back out on the field and returned for the Eagles' regular-season finale at Pittsburgh.
Schmidt was unable to attend the team's awards dinner is spending second semester abroad in China, but he sent in his acceptance speech. Sophomore Adam Pfeifer read the Schmidt's speech and accepted the scholarship on Schmidt's behalf.
Below is the text of Schmidt's speech.
To My Dearest Friends,
I would first like to express how much I wish to be a part of this special gathering and celebrate the accomplishments of this past season. Everyone in this room has impacted my life and inspired me to perform my best on and off the soccer field. My travels abroad have forced me to realize the beauty of human relationships and connections, and the importance of my extraordinary friendships at BC. You are all so special to me and I wish to thank you for this.
I would like to congratulate ourselves on a successful year. It has been incredible to sit back and comprehend the rapid development and recent accomplishments of our program. This would not be possible without Coach Ed Kelly, Zach Samol, & Dusan; a devoted Athletic Department under the direction of Coach Flip; Kristen Allen and our Athletic Training Staff; an outstanding Sports Information Director in Lizz Summers; and most of all, an amazing group of players who have worked hard and molded together as friends.
Tom and Regina McElroy, I thank you with all of my heart for giving me the privilege to represent your son during my final year at Boston College. Getting to know you within these past three years has been a blessing in itself. Your hearts are filled with so much joy and compassion, which radiates into all of us. The BC Soccer Program is truly distinguished because of your care and generosity. Words cannot express how honored I am to carry on the torch of Tom's magnificent spirit and character that has inspired this program for years. I promise that I will work hard on the field and be the best human being possible in this upcoming year.
Once again, I thank you all and hope you have a wonderful evening. Much Love,
Casey James Schmidt
