NEWARK, DE -- University of Delaware men’s cross country head coach Jim Fischer has announced his team award winners for the recently completed 2006 season.

Junior Kyle Schmid was named the team Most Valuable Player, sophomore Kevin Kemmerle (at right) was the winner of the Most Improved Award, freshman Nick Pyle was selected as Outstanding Rookie, junior Tim Brock earned the UD Sportsmanship Award, and Schmid and Brock were named captains for the 2007 season.

Schmid, a junior from Lutherville, MD (Towson High School), was among Delaware’s top performers all season, finishing first among Blue Hen competitors in three of the six races in which he competed. He captured the individual title at the Delaware Invitational #1 on Sept. 16, placed second at the season-opening Hofstra Invitaitonal, finished 20th at the Colonial Athletic Association championships, 57th at the IC4A Championships, and 70th at the NCAA District 2 Meet.

Kemmerle, a sophomore from Dover, DE (Dover High School), competed in seven of the team’s eight races and led all Blue Hen runners at the prestigious Griak Invitational at the University of Minnesota with a 200th place finish. He also placed 16th at the Hofstra Invitational, 17th at both the Delaware Invitational #1 and Delaware Invitational #2, and 51st at the CAA Championships.

Pyle, a freshman from Newark, DE (St. Mark’s High School), was the Hens’ top newcomer during the season. He competed in seven of the team’s eight races during the fall and enjoyed his best finish with a 10th place showing at the Delaware Invitational #2. He also placed 16th at the Delaware Invitational #1, 17th at the Hofstra Invitational, and 48th at the CAA Championships.

Brock, a junior from Newark, DE (Newark High School), competed in five meetings during the season and enjoyed his best performance in the opener when he placed eighth at the Hofstra Invitational. He also placed 20th at the IC4A Coaches Run, was 33rd at the Delaware Invitational #2, and 71st at the CAA championships.