Villanova’s Brian Karalunas wins the 2011 Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award in men’s lacrosse

May 28, 2011

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OVERLAND PARK, KS - Brian Karalunas of Villanova University has been selected as the 2011 Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award winner in men’s lacrosse. The announcement and trophy presentation were made today in Baltimore by Lowe’s, an official corporate partner of the NCAA®, during the NCAA Division I Men’s Lacrosse Championship.


The award, chosen by a nationwide vote of Division I head coaches, national media and fans, is given annually to the most outstanding senior student-athlete in NCAA Division I men’s lacrosse. To be eligible for the award, a student-athlete must be classified as an NCAA Division I senior and have notable achievements in four areas of excellence – community, classroom, character and competition.


“It is humbling to receive such a prestigious award amongst so many worthy candidates. It’s a true honor to be recognized not only for hard work on the field, but also in the classroom and in the community as exemplified by the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award,” Karalunas said.  “I’m truly thankful for everyone who supported me throughout my college career and helped me reach this point.”


An acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School®, the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award focuses on the total student-athlete and encourages students to use their platform in athletics to make a positive impact as leaders in their communities.


In the classroom, Karalunas has maintained a 3.94 grade point average and has been named to the Dean’s List every semester. Among his many academic honors, Karalunas is a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. As part of his community service efforts, Karalunas founded the Graterford Maximum Security Prison Restorative Justice Program, an inmate educational program exploring alternatives to the retributive justice system with an emphasis on forgiveness, victim-offender relations and community building. In addition, the two-time Big East Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year is an awards proctor for the Villanova Special Olympics Fall Festival – the largest student-run Special Olympics festival in the United States.


“Brian’s best qualities are that he’s a leader on the field and off the field. He’s got an incredible work ethic and strives to be the best in everything he does, whether it’s on the field, in the classroom or in the community,” head coach Mike Corrado said.  “I can’t think of anyone that is more deserving of the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award, and it’s an honor to have been able to coach him and watch him grow throughout the past four years at Villanova.”


The team captain has also had an impressive collegiate lacrosse career. He’s a three-time all-American and two-time winner of the Big East’s Defensive Player of the Year award and led the nation in caused turnovers per game. He finished his career as the school’s career leader in that category. Villanova ended its season with a run to the NCAA tournament where the Wildcats lost in the first round.


“Brian is an excellent example of a student-athlete who makes community service a priority in his life,” said David Geren, Lowe’s vice president of marketing. “To do the kind of work he’s done in the community at the same time as leading a top-ranked lacrosse program is a testament to Brian’s leadership skills and his passion for service.”

Lacrosse 2011 Winner

Name Position School
Brian Karalunas Long-stick Midfield Villanova University

First Team

Name Position School
Kevin Crowley Midfield Stony Brook University
Ryan Flanagan Defense University of North Carolina
John Galloway Goalkeeper Syracuse University
Jonathan Stumpf Midfield Lehigh University

Second Team

Name Position School
Stefan Bauer Attack Lafayette College
Grant Catalino Attack Maryland
Johnathan Falcone Goalkeeper Yale University
Anthony Iannello Midfield Bryant University
Tom Montelli Long-stick Midfield Duke University