Four St. Thomas University Tommies have been named Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association All-Stars for the 2019-20 season, with Eric Prior being named the Bob Coe Award winner.
The Bob Coe award is awarded to a male player in the ACAA who best exemplifies the qualities of leadership, sportsmanship, enthusiasm and ability, both on and off the field. Prior, a 5th year defender for the Tommies, was also named a 1st Team All-Star during the ACAA awards banquet. 1st year Tommie Zach Evelyn joined Prior on the 1st Team, with 4th year defenders John Hunter and Kyle Yearwood being named to the 2nd Team.
“With Eric winning this award, it just shows that not only do we recognize what a special player Eric is, the coaches around the league do as well,” said Tommies head coach John-Ryan Morrison. “He is the type of player every coach wants to have.”
“This is Zach’s 1st year with the Tommies and because of Kyle’s injury, he had huge boots to fill in the middle of the park,” added Morrison about his other 1st Team All-Star. “His distribution, quality on the ball and work rate are just some of what makes him a special player.”
Hunter and Yearwood are no strangers to the ACAA All-Star Team, as they were both named All-Stars last year. Yearwood missed some time this year with injury but was a welcome addition to the Tommies lineup to close out the season and clinch a playoff spot.
“John’s qualities as a centre-back are second to none,” said Morrison. “He helps direct and control the backline, he is a tough tackler that can distribute from the back. His return to form is a big reason the Tommies only conceded two goals in their last four games. Kyle showed his importance to the team, and his obvious quality, when he returned for our final weekend of the season to secure a return trip to the playoffs for the Tommies.”
The Tommies will open Championship play Saturday at 5:30pm when they face their rival, the UNBSJ Seawolves.