HAMILTON – Head coach Mike Murphy's delivered eloquent individual tributes to his seniors and Matt Ryan was on hand to present the team award named in his honor during Sunday's season-ending banquet for Colgate Men's Lacrosse.
 
Murphy took great strides to relay to the attendees inside the Colgate University Hall of Presidents just how much the Class of 2017 meant to the growth and continued foundation for the Raiders. He recalled anecdotes, accomplishments and remembrances of all 11 senior members, who then were presented gifts by the parents of senior Strecker Backe.
 
Murphy also thanked the Colgate University Lacrosse Tailgate Association, or CULTA, for its support throughout the season.
 
"We've come a long way in six short years," Murphy said of his time at Colgate. "The camaraderie of the parents is something I will always cherish, and that starts with CULTA. It's not just about the lacrosse games on Saturdays and Tuesdays; it's about the relationships you develop."
 
Ryan Stays Involved, Makes Presentation to Stebbins
Ryan is the younger brother of former lacrosse captain Jimmy Ryan '14 and someone who has become a big part of the Raider program. The Matt Ryan/CULTA Unsung Hero Award goes to the Raider who embodies the core values of accountability, commitment and loyalty, and whose love of the program cannot be measured by statistics.
 
Senior captain Jack Stebbins is this year's recipient.
 
Stebbins played Saturday against Syracuse in his 43rd consecutive game and his 47th collegiate game overall. He contributed 19 career goals, including a hat trick last season at Navy and a key goal in Colgate's 2015 Patriot League championship win over Army.
 
Griffin Brown swept the Rookie of the Year and Crease Club Offensive MVP honors. Brown was named Patriot League Rookie of the Year after leading the Raiders in goals with 23 and reaching the top 10 nationally with goals in 12 straight games. He is the fourth Colgate Raider named Patriot League Rookie of the Year in Murphy's six seasons with the program.
 
Patterson Recognized for All-Around Commitment
The Danny Hagerman Alumni Award went to captain Jackson Patterson. The award recognizes the senior who best demonstrates an attitude, commitment, work ethic and respect that encompasses what it means to be a member of Colgate Lacrosse.
 
Patterson this year posted a personal career-high 16 ground balls and five caused turnovers. He played in 34 games and made 27 starts, including starts on defense in the last 25 consecutive games in which he appeared.
 
Brandon Burke for the third straight season took home the Tyler Kopp Memorial Award as the team's most valuable defensive player. Burke capped his career Saturday with his 59th game played and 59th start, having missed only one game two years ago because of an injury. He finishes with 577 career saves and 3,415 goalie minutes played – the latter figure second on the Colgate career chart.
 
"I'm so very grateful for all the lessons the team has taught me this year and the seniors have taught me over their four years," Murphy said. "Thank you parents for your dedication to your sons and your support of the program. I'm very proud of the Class of 2017.
 
"To the 2018 seniors, this is the rite of passage. This is your team now and you have a great responsibility to lead it the way you were led this year. It's important for you to find your leadership voice as you follow those who came before you in the tireless pursuit of greatness both on and off the field."