Sept. 19, 2008

ST. LOUIS - Saint Louis senior goalkeeper Pat Disbennett is one of 30 players selected as a candidate for the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award for men's soccer.

The award, given annually to senior student-athletes across nine NCAA Division I sports, is based on dedication and achievement in four areas: Classroom, Character, Community and Competition.

Disbennett, a fifth-year senior, has overcome several career-threatening injuries and is the starting goalkeeper for the seventh-ranked Billikens. A chemistry major, Disbennett has been honored by the Atlantic 10 Conference (2005-present) and Conference USA (2004) for maintaining a GPA of 3.5 or above. He plans to enter the medical field following his playing days.

After returning from ankle and back injuries throughout his first three seasons, Disbennett was in goal last year against NC State when he suffered facial fractures in a collision with an NC State attacker. He fully recovered from surgery and was back on the field late last year. He did not allow a goal in a pair of double-overtime scoreless draws in the A-10 semifinal and first round of the NCAA Tournament.

This season, Disbennett has allowed just four goals in close to 500 minutes of action. He sports a 0.72 GAA and has made 18 saves while posting a 2-0-3 record.

In addition to his high level of play on the field and his success in the classroom, Disbennett has volunteered with SPENSA (Special Needs Soccer Association), among other community service projects.

From the list of 30 candidates, a national media committee will select 10 finalists for the 2008 Lowe's Senior CLASS Award in October. Those 10 names from each division will then be placed on the official ballot for a nationwide vote beginning Oct. 9 and concluding Nov. 19. Fan balloting will be coupled with votes from coaches and media to determine the recipient of the award. Winners will be announced during the 2008 NCAA Division I Men's Soccer College Cup in Frisco, Texas, Dec. 12-14.