Former Viper Collins Up For Male Rookie Of The Year:

Former Vernon Vipers forward, Mike Collins is one of three finalist's up for Merrimack's male rookie of the year. Collins played two years in Vernon (2008-2010) guiding the Vipers to back to back National Championships.

This is posted on the Merrimack website:

Male Rookie of the Year Finalists Unveiled

WHO SHOULD BE THIS YEAR’S MALE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR? VOTE NOW!

NORTH ANDOVER, MA – Chris Barnhart (Longmeadow, MA), Mike Collins (Boston, MA) and Josh Henry (Westport, CT) have been named finalists for the 2010-11 Merrimack Male Rookie of the Year.

Arguably the best player on the men’s tennis team this season, Barnhart went 19-3 in singles, leading the Warriors to their fourth-straight and fourth-ever NCAA Tournament, a share of the Northeast-10 Championship, and a school record 16 victories. An all-rookie and second-team all-conference selection, he also went 14-8 in doubles but 7-1 in the #1 doubles position.

Collins led all Hockey East rookies in points and was second in goals, leading Merrimack to its first NCAA Tournament since 1988, a Division I school record 25 wins and its first Hockey East Championship appearance. A two-time Hockey East Rookie of the Month and an All-Rookie team selection, Collins scored goals in the Hockey East Quarterfinals, Semifinals and Championship, while potting a hat trick against Vermont.

A two-sport start, Henry was an all-region selection in indoor track, as he took second in the triple jumps at the Northeast-10 Indoor Championships. Also appearing in nine games at defensive back for the football team, Henry totaled 32 tackles, most among Merrimack rookies. Competing in outdoor track, Henry captured the triple jump at the Snowflake Invitational on April 2.

Fans can log on to facebook.com/merrimackwarriors to vote for who they think should be this year’s winner.

The winners will be announced at the student-athlete orientation in early September before the 2011-12 season.

Last year’s winner was Stephane Da Costa (Paris, France) from the hockey team.

Over the next two weeks, Merrimack is unveiling the finalists for its major awards online at merrimackathletics.com. The winners will all be announced at the student-athlete orientation in early September.

May 9 – Team GPA finalists

May 10 – Female Rookie of the Year finalists

May 11 – Male Rookie of the Year finalists

May 12 – Female Scholar Athlete of the Year finalists

May 13 – Male Scholar Athlete of the Year finalists

May 16 – Female Athlete of the Year finalists

May 17 – Male Athlete of the Year finalists