Collins, Loria, Tomas tabbed for MIAA awards

Collins, Loria, Tomas tabbed for MIAA awards

Football cornerback Tyrone Collins, men's soccer goalkeeper Maximilian Loria and men's soccer attacking midfielder Joan Tomas represent Albion College among the Athletes of the Week in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association for Nov. 4.

Collins, a first-year student-athlete from Bradenton, Fla., is receiving a Player of the Week award in football for the second time this season. He was the Special Teams Player of the Week on Sept. 16, and this time he is receiving the Defensive Player of the Week award for his efforts in helping Albion defeat Trine University, 24-14, on Saturday.

Collins collected two interceptions, wrapped up seven tackles and returned a blocked field goal 72 yards for a touchdown that put Albion in front, 17-14, late in the third quarter.

The Albion football team, winners of three in a row to improve to 6-2 overall and 4-2 in MIAA play, will hit the road for its final two games. The Britons have a Nov. 9 date at Finlandia University and a Nov. 16 trip to Olivet College.

Loria, a junior from Sterling Heights, Mich., who prepped at Stevenson High School, is picking up the second MIAA Men's Soccer Defensive Player of the Week award of his career. He collected six saves, while surrendering one goal in regulation and standing tall during a shootout as Albion advanced past Adrian College in a MIAA Tournament first round match.

Tomas, a first-year student-athlete from Cabrera De Mar, Spain, has created more scoring chances for the Britons since moving to an attacking midfielder in recent weeks. The Offensive Player of the Week was credited with two shots on goal in the 110 minutes of action at Adrian, and then he set the tone by scoring on Albion's first attempt during the shootout.

"Joan elevated everyone with his demeanor before, during and after his kick in the shootout," Head Men's Soccer Coach Wytse Molenaar said.

Next up for Albion is a Wednesday date with the Calvin University side ranked No. 2 in the latest Division III poll conducted by the United Soccer Coaches. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.

Joe and Julie Serra have given a $5 million leadership gift to launch a fundraising initiative to make two dreams a reality at Albion College. The first is a newly expanded fitness and student activity facility at the site of the current Dow Recreation and Wellness Center. The second is a new or renovated competition facility for the volleyball, men's basketball and women's basketball teams that currently call Kresge Gymnasium home.

The College is continuing to raise funds in support of both projects. To learn more, call 517/629-0446 or email advancement@albion.edu