June 2, 2011
2011 USILA Scholar All-America Team
BALTIMORE, Md. - Seniors Chris Ficke (Madison, N.J.) and Brian Karalunas (Dewitt, N.Y.) have been selected to the USILA Scholar All-America team, as announced by the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association on Thursday afternoon.
In 1989 the USILA Scholar All-America Program was established to recognize student-athletes from USILA member institutions who have distinguished themselves academically, athletically and as citizens of their communities. The USILA Selection Committee selects an overall team representing Division I, II and III. The Scholar All-Americas are recognized at the annual Lacrosse All-America Banquet.
Ficke and Karalunas contributed to one of the most successful seasons in Villanova Lacrosse history, helping the Wildcats earn their first at-large berth to the NCAA postseason tournament and the highest ranking in history at No. 7 in the USILA Coaches Poll.
For his career, Ficke played in 57 games while making 53 starts in the Villanova backfield, collecting 120 ground balls and 34 caused turnovers. During his senior season, the close defenseman tallied 43 ground balls and 15 takeaways and was named the 2011 Jim Jones Award Winner, given annually to the Villanova lacrosse player who best exemplifies loyalty, courage and dedication not only in athletic competition, but everyday life.
Ficke graduates Villanova with a 3.53 cumulative GPA with a degree in Accountancy from the Villanova School of Business. He is currently enrolled in Villanova's Accountancy master's degree program.
Karalunas finishes his career as the most decorated men's lacrosse student-athlete in program history. He is Villanova's first three-time USILA All-American and garnered back-to-back BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2010 and 2011. On the field, the long-stick midfielder finished his senior season with 74 ground balls and 70 caused turnovers, leading the NCAA averaging 4.38 takeaways per game. He is Villanova and the NCAA's career leader with 153 caused turnovers and ranks ninth all-time at VU with 213 ground balls. Last weekend, Karalunas was also honored the 2011 Lowe's Senior CLASS Award, 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.
Karalunas graduates Villanova with a 3.94 cumulative GPA with a degree in Honors and Philosophy from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. He is planning to pursue a law degree and is currently playing professionally for the Long Island Lizards of Major League Lacrosse (MLL).
