For Immediate Release

Feb. 6, 2008

Words Unlimited to Honor 2007
RIC Men’s Basketball and Softball Teams

Providence, R.I.--Words Unlimited will honor Rhode Island College’s 2006-07 men’s basketball team and the 2007 softball team at its annual banquet on Sunday, Feb. 17 at the Radisson Airport Hotel in Warwick beginning a 6:30 p.m.

The organization, was is comprised of the Ocean State’s sports media journalists and publicists, has named the 2006-07 men’s basketball squad as Rhode Island’s Team of the Year. The Anchormen were selected to receive this honor out of every amateur and professional team in the state.

Head Coach Bob Walsh says, “It is a great honor to receive this award from the Rhode Island media. The '07 team brought a great deal of pride to the Rhode Island College community, and it was the result of great support from the administration and the hard work and sacrifice of our student-athletes.”

The Anchormen went 27-4 and reached the Elite Eight of the NCAA Div. III Men’s Basketball Tournament, falling to the eventual National Champion (Amherst). RIC captured its second, and first outright, Little East Conference Regular Season Championship and went on to host and win the league tournament title for the first time in program history. The Anchormen ended the season ranked No. 15 in the nation.

The 2007 softball team will receive the Vin Cullen Small College Achievement Award for the second consecutive year. The Anchorwomen posted a program-record 41-7 mark, capturing their third consecutive Little East Conference Regular Season Championship, second straight LEC Tournament title and won the NCAA New England Regional to advance to the National Championship Round for the first time in school history. The Anchorwomen ended the season ranked No. 10 in the nation.

Head Coach Maria Morin says, “It is an honor to receive the Small College Achievement Award again this year. The success of our team in 2007 was not only a tribute to the hard work and dedication of our players and staff but also to the support of our Athletic Department, President Nazarian, and the college community. I want to thank Words Unlimited for recognizing our team's achievements." 

The event is open to the public and tickets are $35 apiece. Please contact Scott Gibbons in the Rhode Island College athletic department via e-mail (sgibbons@ric.edu) or by phone (401) 456-8516 for ticket information.

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