ORONO, Maine — University of Maine quarterback Marcus Wasilewski has been honored as the Colonial Athletic Association’s Student-Athlete of the Year.
The senior from Kulpmont, Pa., earned the highest honor after graduating cum laude in December with a degree in kinesiology and physical education. The Dean’s List member and four-time academic all-conference selection was recently honored with the “M” Club Dean Smith Award, presented annually to the university’s top male and female student-athletes.
Wasilewski is enrolled in graduate school at UMaine and is pursuing a master’s degree in his undergraduate field.
He previously earned the second annual Chuck Boone Leadership Award, given to the conference player who embodies the highest standards of leadership, integrity, teamwork and sportsmanship in academic and athletic achievements.
Five other Black Bears join Wasilewski on the list of CAA Academic All-Conference honorees. They are linebacker Arron Achey of Newmanstown, Pa., defensive end Trevor Bates of Westbrook, DE Jonathan Louis of Taunton, Mass., safety Michael Mangiarelli of Warren, Ohio and offensive tackle Benedict Wezel of Berlin, Germany.
Aside from his academic accomplishments, Wasilewski had a record-setting career on the field. He led the Black Bears to the 2013 CAA title and the program’s first-ever NCAA home playoff game.
Wasilewski set school records for most completions (276), passing percentage (67.5), passing yards in a season (3,238), total offensive plays (565) and total offensive yards (3,770). He finished his career as the second quarterback in program history to pass for more than 3,000 yards in a season.
He posted 25 passing touchdowns, the second-highest, single-season total in program history. Wasilewski completed his with 6,564 total yards and 52 touchdowns.
Wasilewski garnered several awards for his stellar senior season. A first-team All-CAA selection, he was presented with the New England Football Writers Gold Helmet of the Year award.
CAA Football honored 137 student-athletes on the 2013 Academic All-Conference team. New Hampshire once again led all league schools with 21 players on this year’s list.
To be eligible for the CAA Football Academic All-Conference Team, a player must be a starter or important reserve and hold a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher (on a 4.00 scale) for his entire academic career. Transfers and first-year players are eligible. Voting for the Student-Athlete of the Year award is conducted by CAA Football’s 11 communications contacts, representing one vote per school.